Otitidae

Otitidae is a family of birds commonly known as bustards. These large, ground-dwelling birds are found in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Bustards are characterized by their strong legs, long necks, and relatively short wings. They are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on a diet of plants, seeds, insects, and small vertebrates.

Bustards are notable for their impressive courtship displays, particularly by the males. These displays often involve elaborate visual and auditory signals to attract females. The nesting habits of bustards vary, but they typically lay their eggs on the ground in open habitats.

Several species of bustard exist, with varying sizes and distributions. The great bustard, for example, is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world. Unfortunately, many bustard populations have experienced declines due to habitat loss, agricultural changes, and hunting, leading to conservation concerns for several species.