During 1980, Reg Cundick, quoted the following passage from The Illustrated Book Of Birds:
“Today, north western Africa, the steppes of Western Asia and Asia Minor, as well as certain areas in the farmlands of Central Europe, comprise the range of the Great Bustard. This huge grassland bird used to be far more widespread in Europe, and in the 18th century was found in the British Isles.
It generally stays the winter in its breeding grounds, congregating in small flocks that roam the fields and meadows. In spring the male performs his distinctive courtship display on the ground, inflating his throat pouch and spreading his tail feathers to form a fan so that from a distance he looks like a large black and white dancing ball.
Before pairing, the males fight fiercely among themselves, to win the favour of the hen. Hers is the task, in April or May, of preparing a simple hollow in the corn or tall grass in which she lays two eggs, incubating them for 25 to 28 days. The spotted nestlings are very independent and their diet comprises chiefly insects and later plant foods. Adult birds occasionally catch small invertebrates.
Nowadays the Great Bustard is protected in most of Europe, and an attempt is being made to introduce the species to the British Isles.
Length: Male 102 cms; Female 80 cms.
Wing Span: Up to 240 cms.
Note: The female lacks the moustachial feathers.”
The Illustrated Book Of Birds, text by Dr. J. Felix, illustrations by K. Hiscock. English version first published in 1978 by Octopus Books Limited, 59 Grosvenor Street, London, W.1.