BIRD #33 OF 45

Australian Bustard

The Australian Bustard is one of Australia’s heaviest flying birds. Found across the country’s open inland landscapes, these impressive birds spend most of their time walking through grasslands in search of insects, reptiles and seeds.

Although widespread, they’re often surprisingly difficult to spot thanks to their excellent camouflage.

  • HABITAT

    Grassland, shrubland, open woodland

  • CONSERVATION STATUS

    Least Concern (LC)

  • LOCATION

    WA, NT, QLD, SA, NSW, VIC

  • HOW TO SPOT IT

    🦤 Large, long-legged ground bird with a long neck
    🤎 Brown upperparts with a white belly and black chest
    🪽 Broad wings with striking black and white patterns in flight
    🌾 Usually seen walking slowly through open country

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    During the breeding season, male Australian Bustards perform an extraordinary display by inflating a large white throat pouch and fluffing their feathers until they look almost twice their normal size.