Australian Bustard
Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) · CC BY-SA 4.0

Bustards

Australian Bustard

Ardeotis australis

LCLeast Concern
Family
Bustards (Otididae)
Order
Otidiformes

Overview

The Australian bustard (Ardeotis australis) is a large ground-dwelling bird that is common in grassland, woodland and open agricultural country across northern Australia and southern New Guinea. It stands at about one metre (3 ft 3 in) high, and its wingspan is around twice that length. The species is nomadic, flying to areas when food becomes plentiful, and capable of travelling long distances. They were once widespread and common to the open plains of Australia, but became rare in regions that have been used for farming.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Range and habitat

Australia (except southwestern and southeastern) and southern New Guinea.

Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.

Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.