Apr 16, 2024
Lesser Florican in India
What is the Lesser Florican?
The Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus), often referred to as the likh or kharmore, is the smallest bustard and the sole member of the Sypheotides genus. It’s endemic to the Indian Subcontinent, where it lives in tall grasses and is well known for the males’ rainy season leaping breeding demonstrations.
Where can the Lesser Florican be found?
The Lesser Florican inhabits the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. During the summers, these birds are mostly found in northern and central India, but they are more extensively scattered throughout India in the wintertime.
What is the Lesser Florican’s habitat?
Though it prefers open, grassy landscapes, the Lesser Florican is generally seen resting within thick bushes during the day. In non-breeding months, it can inhabit wooded lands and scrublands, along with grasslands. Occasionally, Lesser Floricans inhabit agricultural fields – generally of cotton, millet, and some cereal crops.
What is the Lesser Florican’s breeding behavior?
The most characteristic feature of the bird is the mating strategy. During the breeding season, males are seen folding their legs and leaping upwards, reaching a height of about 2 to 3 metres. They flutter rapidly, even up to 600 times a day, while emitting a croak-like sound.
What is the Lesser Florican’s conservation status?
The Lesser Florican is currently listed as Critically Endangered. Hunting and habitat deterioration are the top threats.
What are the physical features of the Lesser Florican?
The head, neck, and lower regions of a breeding male are all black. His throat, though, is white. Females are slightly bigger than males. In non-breeding plumage, females as well as males are buff, having black streaks and darker marks on the head and throat.
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