Very large size. Male is mostly black with white wings and white, buff or rufous tail, female brownish grey, neck and legs very long neck nearly naked, bristly

Grass, berries, seeds, succulent plants, small reptiles, insects.

Males may perform elaborat displays in courtship and distraction when breeding. Breeds in all months but dependent on rainfall in arid areas.

Nest is scrape in sandy soil. Average is 1 male to 3 females in drier years, otherwise more nearly monogamous. Male guards eggs until clutch complete. Each females lays 3-8 creamy yellow, glossy, deeply pitted eggs.

Occurs in flocks of 30-40 birds when not breeding. More (600) may gather at waterholes in desert regions. Adults and young of 1 month old or more can run 50-60 km/h

Male has deep booming 4-syllabled boo boo booooh hoo, sounding like a lion far away

Somewhat nomadic.