Great Bustard flies again across South West – after 180 year absence
Once a familiar sight in grassland areas of southern Britain, the Great Bustard was hunted to extinction in Britain in the early 19th Century.
But, as part of a pioneering reintroduction programme, begun on a shoestring budget, the first of several clutches of rescued chicks from Saratov in southern Russia were introduced to Salisbury Plain, seven years ago.
Standing up to 3ft tall and with a wingspan of more than 8ft, some Great Bustards have been known to weigh as much as 21kg (46lb).
But with males taking up to five years to reach maturity – and facing threats ranging from foxes to electric power lines – they are considered one of the most difficult wild birds to breed.
In 2009 the first three native British chicks were hatched in nests at a secret site on Salisbury Plain, with more following last year.
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