Neotis ludwigii (Ruppell, 1837)

Nomenclature

Ludwig's bustard, scientific name Neotis ludwigii (Ruppell, 1837), has a weight range of 3 to 7.3 kg (6.6 to 16.1 lb).

Weight Characteristics

Males are much larger, with a mean weight of 6.3 kg (14 lb), while females have a mean weight of 3.4 kg (7.5 lb).

Body Length

Females measure 76 to 85 cm (30 to 33 in) in length, and males measure 80 to 95 cm (31 to 37 in) in length.

Adult Plumage

This species has grey-brown colouring on the face and front neck, and white colouring on the back of the neck and the back of the face. The nape of the neck is dull orange.

Female and Juvenile Traits

Females and juveniles differ from adult males in their smaller size and the slightly lighter colour of their front neck and face.

Similar Species Distinction

Ludwig's bustard is often confused with Stanley's bustard, more commonly known as Denham's bustard (Neotis denhami). Denham's bustard has paler grey colouring on the face and front neck, a browner nape, and distinctive black and white crown stripes on its head, which Ludwig's bustard lacks.

Habitat Preferences

Like most bustards, Ludwig's bustard inhabits grasslands and semi-arid regions.

Geographical Distribution

Its distribution is generally limited to western Southern Africa, occurring in western South Africa, Namibia, and sometimes Botswana. The species' total range covers approximately 380,000 km² (146,719 sq mi).

Historical Population Estimates

In the 1980s, the total global population of Ludwig's bustard was estimated between 56,000 and 81,000 individuals. More recent population estimates place the South African population alone at around 114,000 individuals.

Movement Patterns

It was once commonly thought that Ludwig's bustard followed rainfall patterns, but newer research has disputed this claim.

Modified Habitat Use

There is, however, strong evidence that these birds prefer modified habitats such as agricultural fields and pastures.

Flocking Behavior

Ludwig's bustard does not form large flocks. The average group size is 2.13 individuals in summer and 3.56 individuals in winter.

Reproductive Research Status

Because Ludwig's bustard lives in large, remote, hard-to-access regions and is easily disturbed by researchers, little scientific information is available about its reproductive behaviours.

Breeding Records

Breeding has been recorded in March in Namibia.