Description:

The crowned custard (Stemmotis koinos) is a ground-dwelling bustard species that inhabits the African grasslands. These birds evolved to fill the niche left after the cranes of the region died off. The custards, however, prefer the open dry savannah, compared to the wetland and flooded savanna habitats that cranes inhabited. They are one of the tallest birds that occupy the Congo Savannah, about 0.9 to 1.4 meters tall, and have a wingspan of 2.2 to 2.4 meters. They are also heavy birds, 7.2 to 13.6 kilograms for males and 6.3 to 7.7 for females. They are the tallest bustard species, but the heaviest known bustard is the extinct Kori bustard (Ardeotis kori). They generally have a light gray head with a dark brown body and legs. The three thin feathers on the back of their head are only on the males and are used in sexual display.

Distribution:

The crowned custards mainly inhabit open savannas. These habitats provide nesting areas and food that they can eat.

Diet:

The custards are foraging omnivores. They spend most of their day walking around grasslands, looking for suitable food. They mainly eat grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, scorpions, and other insects and arachnids. But, they occasionally prey on small rodents, lizards, snakes, and other small vertebrates. Plant material also makes up a large part of their diet. They will eat seeds, grasses, berries, roots, flowers, leaves, and fruit.

Breeding Behavior:

The custard's breeding behavior mainly consists of a behavior called lek mating. Males will gather in a clearing with several other males and begin their display. To get the female's attention, the males will produce a loud booming call, snapping their bill periodically. They also inflate an air sac on their neck. Once a female shows interest in the male, the male will start their dance. The dance begins with the male custard moving its head back and forth. The male will then lower their head and display their three head feathers. They also kick the ground, raise their wings, and do various motions. This dance usually lasts about fifteen to thirty minutes. After the male completes dancing, the female will decide if the male is a worthy mate. If so, the male will mate with the female. The male will then try to mate with various other females. The female will then raise the chicks by herself, usually one to two eggs. They will raise them in a nest that is hidden within the grass.