Kori bustards are tall, sturdy birds with grey-brown feathers that camouflage perfectly against dry grass. They walk rather than hop, taking slow deliberate strides across the savannah. Their wingspan can reach 2.5 metres — wider than a tall adult human can stretch their arms. Despite being so heavy, they fly well when they need to, though they prefer to walk.
During the breeding season, male kori bustards put on a remarkable display to impress females. They puff up their feathers, fan out their tail, inflate their throat into a huge white fluffy balloon, and make deep booming calls. It looks like they have suddenly turned into a giant feathery cloud. The display can last for hours.
Kori bustards eat almost anything — insects, small lizards, seeds, berries, and even the gum that oozes from acacia trees. They are often found near large animals like elephants and lions, because the movement of big animals disturbs insects in the grass, making them easier to catch.
These birds are very popular with birdwatchers visiting Botswana. They are easy to spot because of their size and their slow, stately walk. The kori bustard is also the national bird of Botswana's neighbour South Africa, which shows how well-loved it is across the region.