Southern Black Korhaan

The Southern Black Korhaan, also known as the Black Bustard, is a small, ground-dwelling bird belonging to the bustard family, Otididae. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is adorned with a striking checkered black and white plumage, a black underbelly, and neck, while the female is cloaked in a more subdued checkered brown and white, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Both sexes boast bright yellow legs, adding a splash of color to their otherwise earthy tones.

Identification Tips

To identify the Southern Black Korhaan, look for the male's distinctive black and white body, with white markings on the underwings, cheeks, and eye stripes. The female, on the other hand, is uniformly colored with her body's checkered pattern extending to her head, neck, and breast. The male's larger stature and slightly longer bill, reddish with a black tip, are also key characteristics. Observers may note the male's wingspan ranging from 27 to 28 cm, the female's from 25 to 26 cm, and their tails measuring approximately 12 to 13 cm in length.

Habitat

This species thrives in the open, semi-arid landscapes of southwestern South Africa, including shrublands, savannahs, and grasslands adjacent to marshes. These habitats provide the perfect backdrop for the korhaan's ground-dwelling lifestyle.

Distribution

Endemic to southwestern South Africa, the Southern Black Korhaan's range extends from Namaqualand, southward to Cape Town, and eastward to Makhanda, covering an area of about 254,000 km².

Behaviour

The Southern Black Korhaan is known for its polygynous mating system, with males engaging in high-flying displays to attract multiple females. Vocalizations are predominantly performed by the male, who emits a "continuous cackling sound" or a raucous "knock-me-down, knock-me-down" call.

Song & Calls

The male Southern Black Korhaan is quite the vocal performer, often heard before seen, with its loud and distinctive cackling calls echoing across the landscape.

Breeding

Breeding occurs annually in the spring, with females laying one or two olive or brown eggs, speckled with dark spots, in a shallow depression in the soil. The female then camouflages the nest with grass strands and assumes all parental responsibilities, from incubation to chick-rearing.

Diet and Feeding

An omnivorous bird, the Southern Black Korhaan's diet is primarily composed of arthropods such as termites, beetles, grasshoppers, and ants, supplemented by plant matter, predominantly seeds. It engages in a mutualistic relationship with the Acacia cyclops, benefiting from its seeds and aiding in their dispersal. Grit and small rocks are also ingested to facilitate digestion.

Conservation status

The Southern Black Korhaan is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Its population has experienced a rapid decline due to habitat conversion to agricultural land, leading to fragmentation and a decrease in available food sources and breeding grounds. Threats also include climate change, human disturbance, and diseases.