Nubian Bustard - Life History

Life History

Observation of breeding has occurred from July to October have been reported across the species’ range. Males undertake elaborate displays on selected high points or dune ridges during the breeding season. Displays can entail throwing out the breast, pulling the head back, raising the tail and lowering the wings to display a contrasting white and dark pattern, while strutting repeatedly back and forth along the skyline. The clutch size is 2-3 eggs, which are laid in a simple scrape on the ground under or near low shrubs or tussocks of grass. Adult birds will engage in active diversionary tactics to draw would be predators away from eggs and chicks. Immature birds may be ‘parked’ whilst adults forage for food. Mixed groups of adult and immature birds, up to a dozen or more in number, have been observed following the breeding season.

This bird is believed mainly feed on insects but seeds, fruit and Acacia tree gum may supplement the diet. The main predator of this species are eagles such as the Golden Eagle or the Short-toed Snake Eagle. Young birds and eggs are threatened by a wider range of predators, including mammalian carnivores and reptiles.