The
blue wildebeest (
Connochaetes taurinus), also called the
common wildebeest,
white-bearded wildebeest or
brindled gnu, is a large
antelope and one of the two species of
wildebeest. It is placed in the
genus Connochaetes and
family Bovidae and has a close taxonomic relationship with the
black wildebeest. The blue wildebeest is known to have five
subspecies. This broad-shouldered antelope has a muscular, front-heavy appearance, with a distinctive robust
muzzle. Young blue wildebeest are born tawny brown, and begin to take on their adult colouration at the age of two months. The adults' hues range from a deep slate or bluish gray to light gray or even grayish-brown. Both sexes possess a pair of large curved
horns.