The black-billed Bustard bird species in uganda is found in savanna, cultivated fields and tall open grassland in sub-Saharan Africa. This species is also found in the areas of S. Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and some areas of Tanzania and Nigeria. It prefers higher rainfall than Hartlaub’s bustard and in many areas occurs only following heavy rain.
Three physical characteristics in particular indicate unique adaptations to their environment: beaks (bills), feet and plumage (feathers). Natural selection is the mode of evolution that makes living things well-suited (adapted) to their environments
The Black-Billed Bustard in Uganda is one of the biggest birds in Africa, can be seen during birding safaris in Uganda. It is also called the Black-billed Korhaan in the bustard family. It dwells in Africa and it’s a large terrestrial omnivore’s bird living mainly in dry savannah and open grassland.
The Black-Billed Bustard is a large bird which weighs up to 6.8kg with 57 to 65cm length, its bill, feet and legs are biller, the upper parts of the male have dark and brown sports on the tawny buff background while the lower plumage is black.
The flight feathers have black adverts, the white wings which contrast with the black underparts van be visible when the bird stands.
It has a long and thin neck, the lower plumage and breast is dark. The upper layer of wings is white but brownish at the base.
The females’ are plain buff, cryptically marked with darker brown mottling on the back, neck and breast the young are greyer and darker.
The neck and rump pattern of sexes, the males white chin and lore’s and the female’s vermiculations are points that distinguish this species from its close relative to Hartlaub’s bustard.
During courtship displays, males can be heard giving a short rising wheezy whistle, zhweeeeeeeeeeee, it stands still and slowly the head and give a popping quack or plop followed by soft gurgling.
The black-billed Bustard feeds on grain, fruits and seeds, they feed on almost all plants which are natural to the open areas.
These black-billed Bustard also can eat small mammals such as field mice and also enjoy insects as well and earthworms too. The chicks are fed with insects.
The black-billed bustard typically live for around 10 years but some have been known to live up to 15 years and more. The maximum known life span for these species was 28 years . Adult males seem to have a higher mortality rate than females due mainly to fierce interspecies fighting with other male during the breeding season.
