Abstract
Field observations on behaviour of Houbara wintering in Balochistan (Pakistan) suggest that though it becomes alert to the approaching man or jeep from a distance of some 500 m, yet it allows their approach up to some 50 m. The reaction to such. stimuli varies with type, mode of application, recent e;.;erience, physiological and psychological state of individual bird, size of the flock and general foraging conditions. Different body postures indicate different psychological states of individuals. The bird comes in open place and takes few brisk steps before taking to its wings. Distance maintained from the human settlement directly increases with the size of settlement. The bird retires from active foraging during the middle part of the day but does not go for a complete rest. Houbara selects an open place between shrubs for night roosting. where it maintains an alert sitting posture and keeps on changing the roosting places during the night. The species prefers to stay on ground during dust storm. It can more efficiently avert falcon attack while on ground. It has a perfect camouflaging, especially when it is still or squatting.
AFSAR MIAN. (1999) ON BIOLOGY OF HOUBARA BUSTARD (CHLAMYDOTIS UNDULATA MACQUEENII) IN BALOCHISTAN, PAKISTAN: SOME FIELD OBSERVATIONS ON BEHAVIOUR, Punjab University Journal of Zoology, Volume 14, Issue 1.
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