Large, heavy game birds found in open grasslands and deserts across Europe, Asia, and Africa, known for their impressive size and elaborate courtship displays.
From Old French 'bustarde,' likely combining Latin 'avis' (bird) with an unknown second element; possibly influenced by 'tarda' (slow), referencing the bird's reluctant flight. The word reached English in the 14th century and refers to one of the heaviest flying birds.
The Great Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds on Earth—males can weigh up to 35 pounds—yet they're so specialized for ground life that they can barely escape predators by air, making them incredibly vulnerable to habitat loss and hunting.
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