The bustard is a large game bird found on all continents except the Americas. Although there are about twenty-two species, the great bustard is best known. The male weighs about thirty pounds, stands three to four feet high, and has an eight-foot wingspan. Its small head has a razor-sharp beak, and it sometimes bites people, causing severe pain.
Another bustard, called the kori, is interesting because it almost always has a beautiful bee-eater bird perched on its back. From this viewpoint, the bee-eater bird can see bees and other insects which are disturbed by the kori’s feet as it walks through the grass. The bee-eater then quickly swoops down to catch its meal.
All bustards are shy and wary and difficult to approach. They prefer living on open plains where their sharp eyes can quickly spot motion. The great bustard, with its long legs and three-toed feet, is a fast runner. Although it can fly, it prefers to run from danger or hide in the tall grass where it is well camouflaged.
These strange birds have no song. Instead, they bark, grunt, hiss or make a whistling sound. When searching for food, they may wander several miles in a day. However, they have no trouble finding enough food as they eat plants, insects, lizards, frogs and small snakes.
When seeking a mate, the male stands atop a mound of dirt and makes a show of his feathers by turning up his tail and spreading his large wings over his back. At the same time, he lays his head between his shoulders and puffs up a pouch on his neck so that only the top of his head shows.
This is a pretty display, and an impressed female soon joins him. Together they make a one-foot hole in the ground for a nest. The female lays two or three speckled, greenish eggs, and in three weeks the chicks hatch. The young birds often eat too much and look quite funny, wobbling around as their legs are not yet strong enough to carry the extra load.
It is not known if this odd bird serves a special purpose, but it pleased the Lord God to create it, and so it fulfills a part in the balance of His entire creation. Additionally, we know He does not neglect it, for the Bible tells us, “In whose hand is the soul [life] of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:1010In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:10)).
This verse reminds us of God’s goodness to each of us personally. Our response to this goodness should be, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever” (Psalm 107:11O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 107:1)).
ML-08/18/2002