Choriotis Australis, commonly known as the Australasian bustard, is a large terrestrial bird species found in Australia and New Guinea. It is the only member of the family Otididae found in this region. The species is known for its distinctive appearance and behavior.
The Australasian bustard is characterized by its robust build and large size, measuring about one meter in height and weighing up to 15 kilograms. It has a sturdy body with a long neck and legs, and the plumage is predominantly brown or sandy, providing effective camouflage in its arid habitat. Males have a black collar and breastband, as well as a large, dagger-like spur on each wing. The females, however, lack these features.
These birds are predominantly terrestrial and inhabits open grasslands, savannahs, and shrublands. They are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on a wide range of food, including small vertebrates, insects, seeds, and fruits. The species is known for its distinctive, booming call, which males produce during courtship and territorial displays.
Australasian bustards are known for their remarkable courtship displays. During the breeding season, males engage in elaborate performances, including raising and lowering their wings, puffing out their chests, and uttering the booming calls. Females usually lay a single egg in a scraped-out nest on the ground, where the chicks hatch and are cared for solely by the female.
Overall, Choriotis Australis is a unique bird species found in Australia and New Guinea, characterized by its large size, distinctive appearance, and charismatic courtship displays.
