Nubian bustard | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Otidiformes |
Family: | Otididae |
Genus: | Neotis |
Species: | N. nuba |
Binomial name | |
Neotis nuba (Cretzschmar, 1826) |
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General range: Sahelian Acacia savanna |
The Nubian bustard (Neotis nuba) is a species of bird in the bustard family. This is a medium-large bustard found in the sparsely vegetated interface between the southern margins of the Sahara desert and the northern part of the Sahel. It is found in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan. Its natural habitats are dry savanna and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
In this species, males average around 5–7 kg (11–15 lb) and measure around 80 cm (31 in) in length and 180 cm (71 in) in wingspan. Females are much smaller at around 3 kg (6.6 lb) and 60 cm (24 in) in length and 150 cm (59 in) across the wings. It is smaller than the sympatric Arabian bustard, as well as more rufous with a different body shape. Compared to larger bustards the Nubian has a more rounded body, a relatively long, thin neck and a rounded head.
Observation of breeding has occurred from July to October have been reported across the species' range.
Young birds and eggs are threatened by a wider range of predators, including mammalian carnivores and reptiles.
Classified as Near-Threatened by the IUCN, its main threat is habitat loss.