Crested Stubbill

Other names
Crested Shortbill, common stubbill or shortbill; brown stubbill.

Desciption
Green, greyish-blue, brown. Underpart and upperparts are brown. Back is plain and brown. Belly and breast pattern are plain. Tail is almost absent, but if present, it is bushy and brown on the upperside and underside. Wings are short, almost nonexistent; bluish-grey. Leg and bill colour are greenish-brown. Eyes are bluish-grey. Head is brown, streaked with no patterns and its crest is green to greenish-brown.

Similar species
The green stubbill is larger, long neck with green eyes, white body and green wings. The giant stubbill is larger but not much is known about it because of its status.

Behaviour
Can run up to 30 mph., 45 if chased by scientists.

Diet
Known to feed on a wide variety of plants such as grasses, berries and leaves. Has also been known to feed on small vertebrates, worms and insects. Also been known to scavenge trash in landfills.

Calls
Makes soft grunting noises.

Reproduction

 * Feeding habits: Known to feed on a wide variety of plants such as grasses, berries and leaves. Has also been known to feed on small vertebrates, worms and insects. Also been known to scavenge trash in landfills.
 * Nest: A large, scratched, shallow area surrounded with leaves and sticks, usually in sand or in grasses.
 * Reproduction: Sexual maturity is reached at two years. Males court females with an impessive display of grunts and unique manoeuvres. The male is known to tumble in the ground using his strong legs. The male with the best tumbling is chosen by the females. Unlike most birds, the male is known to have a small penis.
 * Eggs: May-August; 3-5; usually two broods, but several females may dump several eggs in male's nest.
 * Incubation: 40-50 days.
 * Age when young fledge: Male incubated, female deposits eggs and leaves the male to take care of them. Possibly 3-4 weeks. Precocial (independent). Father may take care of them for another month (Travis, 2304).

Distribution/habitat

 * Habitat: Grasslands, or grasslands with scattered trees.
 * Range: Found throughout Devonshire, but especially in Glennshire.