Afrotis afra
The Southern Black Korhaan (Afrotis afra) is a strikingly dimorphic medium-sized bustard endemic to the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. Males are particularly distinctive, boasting glossy black underparts, a contrasting white cheek stripe, and a dark grey-brown back, often appearing entirely black from a distance during their spectacular aerial displays. They measure approximately 50-58 cm in length and weigh between 700-1100g, with females being slightly smaller and consi...
Found in arid to semi-arid shrublands, fynbos, karoo, renosterveld, open grasslands, and cultivated fields, typically at low to medium elevations up to 1000 meters.
Primarily omnivorous, feeding on a variety of insects (especially locusts, beetles, and caterpillars), small reptiles, seeds, leaves, flowers, and shoots, foraged by walking slowly and pecking from the ground.
This diurnal species spends most of its time foraging on the ground, walking slowly and deliberately to pick up food items. Males are highly territorial during the breeding season, engaging in spectacular and elaborate courtship displays involving impressive aerial acrobatics: they fly steeply up...
The Southern Black Korhaan is endemic to the southern and western regions of South Africa, primarily inhabiting the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. It is a resident species, meaning it does not undertake seasonal migrations, and populations remain within these areas year-round. Its distr...
Least Concern
- The male Southern Black Korhaan performs one of the most spectacular aerial courtship displays of any bird, involving somersaults and steep descents. - Despite its name, the female Southern Black Korhaan is predominantly mottled brown, providing excellent camouflage against ground predators. - ...