Chlamydotis undulata
The African Houbara, *Chlamydotis undulata*, is a medium-sized bustard, an enigmatic inhabitant of the arid and semi-arid landscapes of North Africa and the Canary Islands. Measuring 60-70 cm in length with a wingspan of 130-150 cm and weighing 1.5-3.2 kg, this species is characterized by its cryptic sandy-brown plumage, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its desert surroundings. Distinctive field marks include a black stripe running down each side of its neck and long, erectile white and b...
Found primarily in arid and semi-arid desert and steppe habitats, including sandy plains, stony areas, and rocky slopes with sparse vegetation, from sea level up to moderate elevations.
Omnivorous and opportunistic, consuming a wide range of invertebrates, especially beetles, grasshoppers, and ants, supplemented by small vertebrates like lizards, and plant matter including seeds, leaves, and shoots.
African Houbaras are generally diurnal, often most active during cooler parts of the day at dawn and dusk, foraging stealthily on the ground. They roost on the ground, relying heavily on their camouflage. During the breeding season, males establish territories and engage in one of the most specta...
The African Houbara (*Chlamydotis undulata*) is distributed across a wide belt of North Africa, primarily from the Atlantic coast of Morocco, Western Sahara, and Mauritania eastward through Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt, including the Sinai Peninsula. A distinct subspecies, *C. u. fuertavent...
Vulnerable
- The African Houbara is a master of camouflage; its sandy-brown plumage blends so perfectly with its desert habitat that it can be incredibly difficult to spot, even when standing still. - Males perform one of the animal kingdom's most flamboyant courtship displays, raising a massive ruff of whi...