Great Bustard

The Great Bustard, Otis tarda, is a very large bird in the bustard family. It breeds in southern and central Europe and across temperate Asia. European populations are mainly resident, but Asian birds move further south in winter.

This species is declining due to habitat loss throughout its range. It used to breed more widely, and there is a planned reintroduction to Great Britain, where it has been extinct since around 1870. It is otherwise only a very rare vagrant to Britain.

The male of this huge bird is 100cm long with a 240cm wingspan, and weighs up to 16kg. It is brown above and white below, with a long grey neck and head. The breast and lower neck sides are chestnut. In the breeding season, the male has long white neck bristles. In flight, the long wings show large areas of white.

The female is 30% smaller and half the weight. The breast and neck are buff. Both sexes are usually silent. Immature birds resemble the female.

This species is omnivorous taking seeds, insects and other small creatures. Like other bustards, the male Great Bustard has a flamboyant display showing much white, mainly from the undertail, and withdrawing the head. 2-4 eggs are laid on the ground.

This bird's habitat is open grassland, although it can be found on undisturbed cultivation. It has a stately slow walk, and tends to run when disturbed rather than fly. It is gregarious, especially in winter.