Bird · Resident

Denham's Bustard

Neotis denhami

How to identify the Denham's bustard

Brown back, grey neck with a rufous-orange hind neck, a black-and-white striped head and a bold black-and-white pattern on the folded wing.

Where to see the Denham's bustard in Murchison Falls National Park

In the open grassland of the northern bank on game drives.

Habitat

Open grassland and lightly wooded savanna, including recently burnt ground.

What the Denham's bustard eats

Insects, small vertebrates, seeds and green shoots.

Behaviour

It walks slowly through the grass and prefers to walk away from danger rather than fly.

Best time to see the Denham's bustard

All year; males display in the dry season. Resident, here all year.

Last reviewed 5 October 2026. Further reading: en.wikipedia.org.

Questions about the Denham's bustard

Is Denham's bustard the same as the Stanley bustard?

Yes. Stanley bustard is another name for Denham's bustard, used mostly in southern Africa.