This huge bird breeds in southern and central Europe as well as temperate Asia. The Asian birds move south in winter. The Great Bustard's habitat is open grassland, although it can be found on undisturbed cultivation.
The male Great Bustard is possibly the heaviest flying animal. An adult male typically is 90–110cm long with a 2.1–2.5m wingspan and usually weighs from 10 to 16kg. The heaviest known bird was about 21kg. The female is typically 30% smaller.
It has a stately slow walk, and tends to run when disturbed rather than fly. It is gregarious, especially in winter. This species is omnivorous, taking seeds, insects and other small creatures, including frogs and beetles.
Both sexes are usually silent. Otis tarda is listed as Vulnerable.
The Great Bustard is the national bird of Hungary and referred to in many Hungarian proverbs; Rather a sparrow today than a bustard tomorrow.
[All text except proverb: Ref (114)]
[Proverb: Ref (115)]
No comments:
Post a Comment