Great Indian Bustard.

            


                                        Scientific Name: Ardeotis nigriceps

The great Indian bustard is one of the largest flying bird species found in the world today. Standing a meter above the ground, and weighing up to 15 kg, this critically endangered  terrestrial bird was once widespread across the grasslands of India, but today is confined to small fragmented patches within India. It has long bare legs giving it an ostrich like appearance.

The great Indian bustard can easily be distinguished by its black crown on the forehead contrasting with the pale neck and head. The body is brownish and the wings are marked with black, brown and grey. Males and females  generally grow to the same height and weight but males have larger black crowns and a black band across the breast. They breed mostly during the monsoon season when females lay a single egg in nests situated on open grounds

They are still hunted for sport and meat though they are protected under the Indian law. 

                                    


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                                             For :  ABC Wednesday