Great Indian Bustard
Ardeotis nigriceps
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<birdfyi-bird slug="ardeotis-nigriceps"></birdfyi-bird>About
A very large bustard (up to 120 cm, 8-18 kg) formerly widespread across the Indian subcontinent. Sandy-brown plumage with black crown. Critically Endangered with fewer than 150 individuals remaining. Once common across arid grasslands, now nearly extinct due to habitat loss and powerline collisions.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 123.7 cm | 48.7 in |
| Weight | 8187.5 g | 288.81 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Pearly-breasted Cuckoo: gray above; pearly-white below; long dark tail with white spots; graduated tail; similar to Yellow-billed
Habitat & Range
Geographic Range
Formerly widespread across the Indian subcontinent. Now restricted to western Rajasthan and Gujarat. Critically Endangered.
Diet & Feeding
Critically endangered; feeds on insects, small vertebrates, seeds, and shoots in Indian grasslands. Beetles and grasshoppers are key prey.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: SC. Incubation: 27 days. Fledging: 35-40 days.
Clutch Size
1-2
Sound
Song
Deep, resonant booming call; powerful bass notes carrying remarkably far across open flat Australian landscape.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes (Bustards) |
| Family | Otididae (Bustards) |
| Genus | Ardeotis |
| Species | Ardeotis nigriceps |
Distribution
Great Indian Bustard has been recorded in 1 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Great Indian Bustard eat?
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Is the Great Indian Bustard endangered?
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What does the Great Indian Bustard sound like?
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Similar Birds
Other species in the Otididae family