bustard

[ buhs-terd ]

noun

1. any of several large, chiefly terrestrial and ground-running birds of the family Otididae, of the Old World and Australia, related to the cranes.

bustard

/ ˈbʌstəd /

noun

1. any terrestrial bird of the family Otididae , inhabiting open regions of the Old World: order Gruiformes (cranes, rails, etc). They have long strong legs, a heavy body, a long neck, and speckled plumage

Word History and Origins

Origin of bustard¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, apparently blend of Middle French bistarde ( Old Italian bistarda ) and Middle French oustarde, both from Latin avis tarda (Pliny) literally, “slow bird,” though tarda may be a non- Latin word, taken erroneously as feminine of tardus

Word History and Origins

Origin of bustard¹

C15: from Old French bistarde , influenced by Old French oustarde , both from Latin avis tarda slow bird

Example Sentences

Conservationists say that over the past few years, the great Indian bustard's habitat in Jaisalmer has been overrun by solar and wind energy farms, leading to an increase in flying accidents.

From BBC

"Thus, the only solution to conserve the great Indian bustard is to preserve its natural habitat," he says.

From BBC

The court overturned an earlier interim order, which had instructed Rajasthan and Gujarat to prioritise moving power cables underground in great Indian bustard habitats.

From BBC

Last month brought good news for the great Indian bustard, a critically endangered bird found mainly in India.

From BBC

For one, the great Indian bustard has good peripheral vision but poor frontal vision, making it difficult for them to spot power lines until they fly too close to them.

From BBC