Afrotis afraoides
The Northern Black Korhaan (Afrotis afraoides) is a striking medium-sized bustard endemic to Southern Africa, often seen in pairs or small family groups. Males are particularly distinctive, measuring around 52 cm and weighing up to 1.7 kg, characterized by a prominent black belly, a contrasting white stripe across the chest, and a rufous-brown neck and head topped with a small crest. Females are slightly smaller (approx. 48 cm, 1.3 kg) and generally duller, with less intense black on the bell...
This korhaan primarily inhabits open grasslands, savannas, karoo shrublands, and agricultural fields across a range of semi-arid and arid environments, typically found at low to moderate elevations.
Their diet is omnivorous, primarily consisting of insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars, supplemented by seeds, plant shoots, and small reptiles.
Northern Black Korhaans are diurnal, spending most of their time foraging on the ground during daylight hours, often resting during the hottest parts of the day. They employ a 'walk-and-peck' foraging strategy, ambushing small prey or gleaning seeds. Males are highly territorial, defending their ...
The Northern Black Korhaan is endemic to the semi-arid and arid regions of Southern Africa, with its distribution spanning across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and marginally into southern Zimbabwe and Lesotho. Within South Africa, it is widespread across the Karoo, Free State, North West, and...
Least Concern
- The male Northern Black Korhaan performs an incredible 'sky-dancing' display, climbing rapidly into the air then tumbling downwards while emitting a loud, grating call. - Its common name 'Korhaan' is onomatopoeic, derived from the Afrikaans word mimicking its characteristic harsh, rattling call...