Bustards are ground-nesting birds that live on the plains of Africa, Europe and Asia. They have heavy, brown bodies and long legs. They feed mostly on leaves, seeds and invertebrates, especially grasshoppers, beetles and caterpillars. The kori bustard and great bustard are the world's heaviest birds capable of flight. Although they are strong flyers, they rarely take to the air. Most species of bustard are in decline, due to habitat loss and hunting.

Courtship

Great bustard males seek to attract a mate by displaying their impressive feathers. Males strut with their tails held high. They take in gulps of air to inflate an air sac under their throat, which puffs out yet more feathers. To complete the spectacle, males stamp on the ground while spinning around.

​​​​​​​A male bustard may mate with up to five females in one season. Males take no part in raising young. Although chicks can walk almost immediately, their mother feeds them for the first few days.