Beats of Grassland
The Lesser Florican is one of the most fascinating birds of India. Black plumes with flattened broad tips adorn the male’s head that is balanced on a long, curved neck. Except for white coverts at the shoulder and a white band across the upper back area, it is almost entirely jet black.
Little is known about its whereabouts during the non-breeding period as the bird is usually spotted only during the breeding season. It is best known for its aerial courtship when the male makes a series of spectacular jumps to a height of 1.5 to 2 m.
The jump is used to establish territory and serve as a warning to other males, and to relay information to the female about his location. These florican jumps may happen as often as 600 times in a day! Some reports suggest the bird may jump 150 times in an hour!
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Calls play a vital role in mate selection. The Lesser Florican is otherwise a quiet bird.
Ashok Murlidhar Chaudhary, India, Mundra
