Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori

One of the world's heaviest flying birds (although it prefers to run), the Kori Bustard stands over 4 feet high.

There are two subspecies, similar in appearance: one native to East Africa and one to southern Africa.

The dark crown finishes in a trailing crest which can be raised and the eye area is white with a yellow eye. The plumage is mainly brown with a long, thick, pale neck barred with brown and barring on the outstretched wings. The brown body plumage has fine vermiculated white patterns visible close up.

The neck plumage can be fluffed up in courting males. Males are much larger than females and polygamous.

Habitat loss, hunting and incidental poisoning (eg of locusts) have made populations scarce and vulnerable.