Ludwig's Bustard

The Ludwig's bustard, Neotis ludwigii, is a medium-to-large bird species within the bustard family, named in honor of Baron von Ludwig. Males are significantly larger than females, with the former averaging around 6.3 kg (14 lb) and the latter 3.4 kg (7.5 lb). The male's length spans from 80 to 95 cm (31 to 37 in), while the female measures between 76 to 85 cm (30 to 33 in).

Identification Tips

This species exhibits a grey-brown face and front neck, with a contrasting white rear neck and face. The nape is tinged with a dull orange hue. Females and juveniles are distinguished from males by their slightly lighter front neck and face, as well as their smaller stature.

Habitat

Ludwig's bustards are inhabitants of grasslands and semi-arid regions, preferring open landscapes where they can roam freely.

Distribution

The Ludwig's bustard is predominantly found on the Western side of Southern Africa, with its range encompassing Western South Africa, Namibia, and occasionally Botswana, covering an area of approximately 380,000 km².

Behaviour

These birds are typically observed in small groups, averaging 2.13 individuals in summer and 3.56 in winter. They do not form large flocks. While once thought to follow rainfall patterns, recent studies suggest they may favor modified habitats such as agricultural fields and pastures.

Song & Calls

The male's mating call is a resonant ‘bloop’ sound. However, detailed information on the species' vocalizations remains scarce.

Breeding

Due to the remote and vast regions Ludwig's bustards inhabit, and their sensitivity to disturbance, reproductive behaviors are not well-documented. Breeding has been noted to occur in March in Namibia.

Diet and Feeding

Ludwig's bustards have an omnivorous diet, feeding on ground-dwelling insects and vertebrates, with a preference for locusts. They also consume flowers and seeds.

Conservation status

The Ludwig's bustard is classified as Endangered. A significant threat to their survival is collisions with power lines, which are exacerbated by the birds' blind spots during flight. It is estimated that between 4,000 and 11,900 individuals die annually from such collisions. Conservation efforts are hindered by a lack of detailed population data, and the expansion of infrastructure poses an increasing threat to their numbers.