Geoff's Gallery:   Australian Bustard (1/6)

GRUIFORMES: Otididae

Ardeotis australis  

I was totally amazed to come across this male bustard in courtship display. I did not recognise the bird at first.

According to Michael Morcombe's field guide the male bustard has a foreneck and gular sac which are inflated. The long feathers of the upper breast spread out in a fan shape.

The bird struts around with its head thrown back and emits a booming sound.