The Little Bustard is a steppe species adapted to  open plains with fallow land and cropfields as well as livestock breeding farms. Males perform their nuptial display in fallow land or low-growing cropfields. The female nests in dense vegetation. It is a medium-sized species with a wingspan of 105 to 115 cm. In our region there is both a migratory and a sedentary population. It feeds mainly on plants and invertebrates.

Conservation objectives

Changes in cultivation practices (intensive farming) seriously jeopardise  the future of this species. The French population has decreased by more than 80% over the past thirty years.

Reproduction periode

February to June

Threats

> Changing agricultural practices (intensive farming, pesticides, etc.)

> Destruction of natural habitat due to urban development

> Destruction of nests due to changing harvesting practices