The Australian Bustard

A report on the Australian Bustard breeding and management in captivity project held at Serendip in Victoria between 1966 and 1983/1984.

Bustards were collected as breeding stock for the project from other states and territories where they were abundant.

All aspects of the management of these birds in captivity and their progeny are described in this report including handling, feeding, breeding, incubation, rearing etc.

The author Don M White was Resident Manager at Serendip Wildlife Research Station at Lara from 1964 to 1984 and his responsibilities included the husbandry of the captive wildlife populations.

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The Bustards of the “Big Desert” in North Western Victoria

In 1976 a significant number of sightings of bustards were reported from Telopea Downs area of the Big Desert in North West Victoria.

A survey was commenced in 1977 to determine the number of bustards, location, habitat preference and breeding potential. The results of this survey are also described here.

Although this project was carried out many years ago, Don is still contacted by researchers from Australia and overseas where there are other bustard populations, most of which are endangered.

Australian Bustard

(Ardeotis australis)

Family: Otididae (Bustards)

Class: Birds

Bustards are the heaviest flying birds in Australia, and amongst the heaviest in the world.

These huge birds stand 120 cm tall, with a wingspan of around 2 m. Because of their great weight, bustards usually walk, however they are great to see in flight.

They suffered a massive historical decline, and now they have all but disappeared from south-eastern Australia.

These birds were once very common across much of mainland Australia, often occurring in immense flocks.