It is considered one of the most emblematic species of Portugal.
The great bustard is the heaviest flying bird in Europe. Males of the species Otis tarda (scientific name) reach up to 16 pounds and have very colorful feathers in shades of russet, white and bluish-gray; in contrast, females are smaller, lighter and with a less showy plumage to avoid attracting the attention of predators while nesting on the ground. This bird takes its name from the fact that it is slow, cumbersome and not very quick on the take off and is classified as an endangered species with extinction, according to the Red Book of Vertebrates of Portugal. It is estimated that only 1150 specimens living in the country, the result of soil amendment and death by unnatural causes. According to the Society for Protection of Birds (SPEA), "agricultural intensification is particularly serious due to the substitution of large-scale mosaics of extensive irrigation and permanent crops. Also, the abandonment of fields, translated into the afforestation of agricultural land, has removed large areas of habitat of this species. In the second order factors, mortality caused by collision with the transmission of electricity cables and poaching is locally very negative. If not reverse the current trend of afforestation and intensification of land use in the Alentejo and corrected the darkest sections of the national grid in the short term the great Bustard will be brought to extinction. "
As already mentioned, one of their preferred areas for these birds nesting "occurs almost exclusively in the Alentejo plain, where it can be observed in some treeless areas." In particular, Alter do Chao, Monforte, Vila Fernando, Veiros, Campo Maior, Elvas, Évora, Mourao, Cuba / Vidigueira and White Field (Castro Verde). The common feature of these areas is that they are practiced cultural revolutions, where the harvest of dry alternating with fallow fields, essential to the parade of the bridal males. The great bustard can normally be observed throughout the year, however, is a very difficult bird to spot, due to his shy and elusive character. A behavior that changes during the Bridal courtship, "as the autumn nears its end, begin the agonistic behavior between males (chases and views, which lead to the establishment of hierarchies). With the end of winter, the flocks begin to disperse and individuals to address specific areas where reproductive behavior start (areas of Lek). "After mating, the female disperses for nesting sites, usually tall crops or pasture. The nest is a depression in the ground that corresponds to the female's body. The posture varies between 2 and 3 eggs. After incubation period ranging between 21 and 28 days the chicks are born. Shortly after birth leave the nest and are ready to follow the mother, "concludes.
