Houbara Bustard

• The Canarian houbara is the largest bird native to the archipelago and, at the same time, the smallest of the three subspecies in the world.
• It is the animal symbol of Fuerteventura, alongside the Jandía cardón as the plant symbol.
• Archaeological remains indicate it has been in the Canaries for between 130,000 and 170,000 years, but the genetics point to a second colonisation some 20,000-25,000 years ago, after which it became isolated.

Skeleton type

Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)

Habitat and environment

Sandy or stony plains with some vegetation cover, and areas of traditional farming. It shows a strong preference for areas with little human presence, far from towns and roads

Sexual maturity

17.9 months

Sources consulted: IUCN Red List; Martín et al. 1997, Ardeola 44(1); Carrascal (censos de 2020 y 2023); GREFA (seguimiento anual); Libro Rojo de las Aves de España; Suárez-Santana et al. 2024, Veterinary Sciences 11(7); Banco de Datos de Biodiversidad de Canarias

Best time: All year round on Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Graciosa; the males' courtship is most spectacular in spring