The houbara bustard is a rare shy bird adapted to arid conditions with little vegetation and found in stony and sandy desert and semi-desert regions. They are classified as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List 2004 because it has undergone rapid population declines over recent years due to unsustainable hunting levels and habitat degradation.
The species has a fascinating flamboyant courtship display described as a ‘Turkey riding a bicycle’! As the male struts around in full display white feathers on the head and around the throat emphasis the magnificence of his hidden plumage.