Rüppell's Bustard Heterotetrax rueppelii Scientific name definitions

60 cm; no data on weight. Differs from Karoo Bustard (Heterotetrax vigorsii) in being pinkerwith gray and white head pattern and black lines down front and back of neck . Female  similar to male, but cheeks appear more mottled, and tail often has ca. 2 faint bars. Immature similar to adult, but with more mottling on face, more dark markings on back and barring in tail. Subspecies <em>fitzsimonsi</em> darker and grayer.

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Forms a parapatric species pair with H. vigorsii, with which frequently considered conspecific. Two subspecies recognized.

Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Desert edge and subdesert, on flat dark basaltic gravel plains and barren flats with thin grass  and sparse stunted scrub  .

Very poorly known. Takes insects (e.g. termites), small reptiles, and vegetable matter including seeds.

Similar to Karoo Bustard (Heterotetrax vigorsii), but slightly higher pitched (1 Sinclair, I., P. Hockey, W. Tarboton, and P. Ryan (2011). Birds of Southern Africa. Fourth edition. Struik Nature, Cape Town, South Africa. Close ). Male and female also duet.

Probably at any time of year, depending on rainfall and food supply, but mostly September–February. Apparently monogamous. Nest situated on bare stony ground. Usually 1 egg, though possibly sometimes 2.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). CITES II. Very little information available on status. Species is frequent to common in habitat that is unlikely to be seriously modified by human development. Relatively common in coastal Angola. Biology and ecology remain poorly known.