Bustards

Bustards, including floricans and korhaans, are part of the Otididae family, consisting of 26 recognized species. These birds typically inhabit dry grasslands and steppes throughout the Old World, varying greatly in size from the little brown bustard at 40 cm (16 in) and 600 g (1.3 lb), to the kori and great bustards, which can weigh over 20 kg (44 lb) and reach up to 150 cm (59 in) in length, making them some of the heaviest flying birds. They display notable sexual dimorphism, particularly in floricans where females are larger. Bustards have adaptive cryptic plumage, omnivorous diets, and mainly ground-based nesting habits, which expose their eggs and young to predators. They prefer steady walking to flying and have visually striking in-flight patterns due to their fingered wingtips. Males are known for elaborate mating displays. Although social outside of breeding seasons, bustards are very cautious and face threats due to habitat loss and hunting. Interestingly, efforts are underway to reintroduce them in the UK, where they had become extinct by the early 19th century. The name "florican" might be related to the term Flanderkin with potential European origins, although its precise derivation remains uncertain. The family name, "Otididae," evolved from the genus "Otis," coined by Linnaeus in 1758, and the Latin term for "slow," highlighting their walking style. Bustard evolution traces back to approximately 30 million years ago, with a likely origin in southern or eastern Africa.