subject: The Great Indian Bustard [print this page] The Great Indian Bustard is one of the largest of the bustards, it is found in India and also in some regions of Pakistan.
The scientific name for the Great Indian Bustard is Ardeotis Nigriceps. It is also know as the Indian Bustard. It is one of the largest birds that can actually fly. It has long legs like the ostrich, black cap contrasting with the pale head and neck. The body is brownish with a black patch spotted in white.
The Great Indian Bustard can grow to up to 4ft tall and weigh up to 40 pounds. It can be spotted with its head popping out of the grasslands in India.
There were many Indian Bustards living in India and Pakistan, now the number of Indian Bustards has declined to around 500.
It is rare to spot the Great Indian Bustards, they are usually found in protected bird enclosures in Rajastan.
Many Indian Bustards have been killed as game birds by the British during their rule in India and also by the locals.
Mughal Emperor Babur described the Great Indian Bustard as one of the tastiest birds that he had. Babur had enjoyed many Indian birds in his life time. He said that some Indian birds had tasty legs, while others had tasty breast. The Indian Bustard had both nice tasting breast and legs.
The Indian Bustard can eat a lot of food, it can be seen munching on grass seeds, berries, beetles, rodents and reptiles.
The Great Indian Bustard breeds during March to September and only lays one egg. Breeding in captivity has not been successful as they prefer privacy.
The main places where you can find this great bird of India are: Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat.
The locals have many names for the Great Indian Bustard. The name Hoom is used in parts of Maharashtra, Hookna in some parts of northern India. The name Gaganbher or Gurayin is used in other parts of India. But the most famous name is the Great Indian Bustard.
Many bird lovers travel to India to see this famous bird. You can book your holiday to India that enables you to see this magnificent bird.
