Daily behaviours of Great Bustard (Otis tarda) during the breeding period in the Sootave, Mokryan Region, NorthWestern Iran

Abstract

The daily behaviours of the Great Bustard (Otis tarda) during the breeding period were examined in the Sootave region of NW Iran. While previous studies by Carmen Martinez (2000) in Spain have provided insights into the seasonal variation, times of day, and land use patterns of Great Bustard activities, this study focuses on understanding the month-to-month variations in behaviour during the breeding period. Data on time budgets were collected, distinguishing between sexes and months. The study revealed variations in behaviours such as courtship, feeding, resting, scanning, moving, flying, and incubation, shedding light on how these behaviours change throughout the breeding season. Males were found to spend more time on courtship displays in March and April, while females allocated more time to feeding during those months. In May and June, these patterns reversed. The study provides important insights into the daily behaviours of Great Bustards during their breeding season, contributing to our understanding of this globally threatened species in Iran.