The size of the male Australian Bustard is up to 1.2m tall with a 2.3m wingspan. A female Australian Bustard can grow up to 0.8m tall. The color of its back, wings and tail are dull brown, with black and white markings on the wing. The neck and head is a dull white. The legs are yellow or cream colored.

 

When the Australian Bustard is disturbed, they adapt a cryptic pose. They may run away if they are alarmed. Some characteristics are, it has feathers, it has a long neck, and it has longish legs. They do well in their ecosystem because of the rain, which brings in food. They are mostly found in northern Australia. They are also found in New Guinea. They live on grasslands and open spaces.

 

There is a lot more than there used to be because it used to be legal to hunt them but now it’s illegal. Except for indigenous Australians. Their population is growing now because of this. They don’t really have to compete for food because where they live is mostly only Australian Bustards. If they do compete for food, it would be with each other. They help us because they eat insects that could be dangerous. They also eat lizards as well. The animals predators are mainly pigs and foxes. They avoid being eaten by running away if they are alarmed. They take flight as a last resort.

 

Author: Nicolette M

Published: 02/2007

 

Bibliography: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardeotis_australis

 

Photo Credit: Glen Fergus