Ardeotis nigriceps (Vigors, 1831)

Scientific Nomenclature & Size

The great Indian bustard, scientifically known as Ardeotis nigriceps (Vigors, 1831), is a large ground bird that stands about one meter tall.

Head & Neck Coloration

It is easily recognizable by its black cap, which contrasts with its pale head and neck.

Body Plumage

The body is brownish with a black patch spotted with white.

Breeding Male Plumage

Males are deep sandy buff in color and develop a black breast band during the breeding season. Their black, crested crown is puffed up during displays.

Female Plumage & Size

Females are smaller than males, have non-pure white heads and necks, and their breast band is either rudimentary, broken, or absent.

Size Comparisons

Among bustards, this species is only smaller than the Kori bustard and the great bustard, and it is the largest land bird in its native range.

Body Morphology

It has a somewhat long neck and quite long legs, with females typically being considerably smaller, as is common in most bustard species.

Male Display Adaptation

Males have a well-developed gular pouch that is inflated when calling during displays, helping produce deep resonant calls.

Color Aberrations

Abnormally leucistic or near-albino great Indian bustards have been reported.

Former Distribution

The great Indian bustard was formerly widespread across India and Pakistan.

Historical Indian Range

Historically, in India, it was found in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Current Distribution Range

Today, it is restricted to isolated pockets in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, which it shares with Pakistan. Current populations exist in the Indian states of Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

Key Indian Population Sites

Desert National Park near Jaisalmer and coastal grasslands in the Abdasa and Mandvi talukas of Kutch District, Gujarat support some populations. Ghatigaon and Karera sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh once held sizeable populations.

Other Recorded Indian Locations

Other sanctuaries with the species include Kutch Bustard Sanctuary in Naliya, Kutch, Karera Wildlife Sanctuary in Shivpuri district, Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary near Nannaj, and it has also been sighted near Solapur, in Shrigonda taluka of Ahmednagar district, near Nagpur, and near Warora in Chandrapur district in Maharashtra, as well as at Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh.

Pakistan Population Record

A September 2013 survey detected a few birds in the Cholistan Desert in Pakistan.

Habitat Preferences

The great Indian bustard inhabits arid and semi-arid grasslands, open country with thorn scrub, and tall grass interspersed with cultivation. It avoids irrigated areas.

Breeding Range

Its major breeding areas are in central and western India and eastern Pakistan.

Habitat Modification

Dry semi-desert regions in parts of Rajasthan have been transformed by irrigation canals into intensively farmed areas.

Feeding Guild

The great Indian bustard is omnivorous.

Insect Prey

It prefers insects, mainly Orthoptera, but also eats beetles including Mylabris species.

Plant & Vertebrate Prey

It also consumes grass seeds, berries (largely from the genera Ziziphus and Eruca), rodents, and reptiles; in Rajasthan, it hunts Indian spiny-tailed lizards Uromastyx hardwickii.

Cultivated Area Diet

In cultivated areas, it feeds on crops such as exposed groundnut, millets, and legume pods.

Drinking Behavior

It drinks water if available, sometimes sitting down to drink or suck water and then raising its head at an angle.

Anti-predator Behavior

When threatened, hens are reported to carry young chicks under their wing.

Juvenile Behavior

Young birds have been recorded to dust-bathe frequently.

Mating System & Social Structure

Males are polygamous. During the breeding season, they are solitary, but they congregate into small flocks in winter. It is thought to use a mating system termed an 'exploded or dispersed lek'.

Movements

Great Indian bustards make local movements that are not well understood; flocks disperse after the monsoon.

Breeding Period & Male Display

Breeding occurs between March and September, during which males display their inflated fluffy white feathers.

Male Territorial Fights

Territorial fights between males may involve strutting next to each other, leaping against each other with legs in contact, and landing to lock the opponent's head under their neck.

Courtship Display Morphology

During courtship display, the male inflates the gular sac that opens under the tongue, creating a large wobbly bag that hangs down from the neck.

Courtship Display Posture

The tail is held cocked up over the body, and the male also raises and folds it on its back.

Courtship Vocalization

The male periodically produces a resonant deep, booming call that can be heard for nearly 500 meters.

Nesting & Parental Care

The female lays a single egg in an unlined scrape on the ground. Only females are involved in incubation and caring for the young.

Egg Predation Risk

The eggs are at risk of destruction from other animals, particularly ungulates and crows.

Female Distraction Display

Females may use a distraction display that involves flying zigzag with dangling legs.