Formerly considered a subspecies of the Houbara Bustard, MacQueen's Bustard is now recognized as a distinct species. It is a migratory bird inhabiting the deserts and steppes of Central Asia, migrating to warmer regions for winter.
Where to spot
Breeds from the Caspian Sea region eastward through Central Asia to Mongolia and China. Winters primarily in the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Pakistan, and parts of India. Found in arid and semi-arid steppes, deserts, and open plains.
How to spot
Look for them in vast, open steppe or desert landscapes. During migration, they can be encountered in various open habitats. Their shy nature requires a quiet approach and excellent optics for observation. They often walk or run away when disturbed.
When to spot
During the breeding season in spring and summer in Central Asia, and during winter (typically October to March) in its southern non-breeding range. Migration periods (spring and autumn) can offer opportunities to see them along their routes.
Where to spot
Breeds from the Caspian Sea region eastward through Central Asia to Mongolia and China. Winters primarily in the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Pakistan, and parts of India. Found in arid and semi-arid steppes, deserts, and open plains.
How to spot
Look for them in vast, open steppe or desert landscapes. During migration, they can be encountered in various open habitats. Their shy nature requires a quiet approach and excellent optics for observation. They often walk or run away when disturbed.
When to spot
During the breeding season in spring and summer in Central Asia, and during winter (typically October to March) in its southern non-breeding range. Migration periods (spring and autumn) can offer opportunities to see them along their routes.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
MacQueen's Bustards undertake impressive migratory journeys, traveling thousands of kilometers between their breeding grounds in Central Asia and their wintering grounds in the Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan, and parts of India.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.