Great Indian Bustard - Description

Description

The Great Indian Bustard is a large ground bird with a height of about a metre. It is unmistakable with its black cap contrasting with the pale head and neck. The body is brownish with a black patch spotted in white. The male is deep sandy buff coloured and during the breeding season has a black breast band. The crown of the head is black and crested and is puffed up by displaying males. In the female which is smaller than the male, the head and neck are not pure white and the breast band is either rudimentary, broken or absent.

Measurements
All populations
Length 1,000–1,070 mm (39.4–42.1 in)
Wing 760–830 mm (29.9–32.7 in)
Culmen 85–95 mm (3.3–3.7 in)
Wing 614–762 mm (24.2–30.0 in)
Wing 460–540 mm (18.1–21.3 in)
Tail 330–380 mm (13.0–15.0 in)
Wing 245–270 mm (9.6–10.6 in)
Head 170–180 mm (6.7–7.1 in)
Wing 145–155 mm (5.7–6.1 in)
Foot 275–300 mm (10.8–11.8 in)
Wing 225–245 mm (8.9–9.6 in)
Weight 8–14.5 kg (17.6–32.0 lb)
Wing 2.5–6.75 kg (5.5–14.9 lb)

Among bustards, this species is smaller only than the Kori Bustard and the Great Bustard in size. It is also the largest land bird in its native range. The Great Indian Bustard stands at about 1 m (3.3 ft) tall, having a somewhat long neck and quite long legs. The female as in most members of the bustard family are typically considerably smaller.

Males have a well-developed gular pouch which is inflated when calling during display and helps produce the deep resonant calls.

Abnormally leucistic or near albino birds have been reported.

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