Buff-crested Bustard (Eupodotis gindiana)

Tsavo West NP, Kenya. Mar 4, 2023

comments (10)

Thibaud Aronson

Lion

One of the most memorable bird encounters in Tsavo! These bustards are quite common there and males can often be heard in the morning, uttering their characteristic piercing whistles. We spotted this bird about thirty meters away as it was calling and after I had taken a few photos, my sister started imitating it on a whim, sort of like you would pish much smaller birds. To our surprise, this had a remarkable effect, with the bird locking onto us, puffing up its crest (which is hidden at rest) and walking straight towards us, before crossing the road right behind our car! Posted 2 years ago

Thibaud Aronson

Lion

Also, Ferdy, most current taxonomic authorities (including those followed by OEL) put this species in Eupodotis, rather than Lophotis. Would you mind editing the binomial, please? Posted 2 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Sure, done. Congrats on this fabulous encounter! Posted 2 years ago
2. 1. Thibaud Aronson
    
    Lion
    
    Thanks and thanks! Posted 2 years ago

Mike Melton

Lion

Awesome, Thibaud. What a great bird! Posted 2 years ago
1. Thibaud Aronson
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Mike! Posted 2 years ago

Calbost Niel

Lion

Quite brilliant Thibaud Posted 2 years ago
1. Thibaud Aronson
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Niel Posted 2 years ago

NattyOne

Lion

Love the tale, Thibaud & the bird, a bit of a stunner! Posted 2 years ago
1. Thibaud Aronson
  
  Lion
  
  Glad you like it! Posted 2 years ago

The Buff-crested bustard

The buff-crested bustard is a fairly small member of its family that is native to East AFrica. It is named for the characteristic rosy crest of the male.

Info 2 0

Similar species: Bustards

Species identified by Thibaud Aronson

By Thibaud Aronson

Uploaded Mar 19, 2023. Captured Mar 4, 2023 00:00 in 6G9W33V6+45.

Explore Kenya 905 658 0

Canon EOS R6
f/9.0
1/3200s
ISO1600
451mm

Captured in the summer. More summer photos.