The Southern Black Korhaan (Afrotis afra) is a beautiful bird that belongs to the bird family Otididae. This bird species is predominantly found in the southern parts of Africa, especially in the regions of Namibia, Angola, Botswana, and South Africa.
As its name suggests, the Southern Black Korhaan is known for its distinct black plumage with white patches on the wings. The male birds have a more robust build and a black belly with white feathers on the lower breast. Meanwhile, the female has a browner appearance with less contrasting white patches.
The Southern Black Korhaan is a solitary bird that prefers living in open grasslands, rocky outcrops, and shrublands – away from dense forests. These birds are known to be tough and highly adapted to survive in harsh environments found in arid and semi-arid landscapes.
These birds are mating polygamously, and during the breeding season, the males are known to perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females. The courtship begins with the male bird standing upright and fluffing its feathers to appear more substantial. The male bird will then jump as high as possible, flap its wings, and emit a loud call to impress the females.
The Southern Black Korhaan's diet consists primarily of insects, like grasshoppers, beetles, and ants, and occasionally small reptiles and rodents.
Due to habitat loss and hunting activities, the numbers of the Southern Black Korhaan have significantly declined in recent years. Conservation efforts and creating protected areas for these birds have been put in place to prevent further decline in their population. The Southern Black Korhaan serves as a critical indicator of the health of its grassland habitat and the environment. Therefore, its conservation and protection are essential to maintain ecological balance in the regions where it is found.