The Peculiar Adjutants – Part II: The Greater Adjutant

The scientific name of this bird is ‘dubius’ meaning ‘doubtful’.

Early scientists who first described it were unsure how to classify it. Was it a heron? A crane? Or was it related to the Marabou Stork of Africa? At that time the heron family won the race. To me, it does look like the cousin of the African bird.

This mysterious bird is called the Greater Adjutant. It has extra features compared to the Lesser Adjutant. These include a larger size and a large neck pouch.

About:

This bird is over 5 feet tall. Its huge wingspan is 8 feet. It is larger compared to the Lesser Adjutant. The bill is wider and mildly curved above and below. It has a variable amount of black on the forehead and at the base of the bill. The wings have a large silver-gray patch which is also visible in flight. As mentioned earlier, the neck pouch is a unique feature. It’s supposed to be filled with air and is said not to be connected to the belly. The bird has another unique orange red feature on the hind-neck. It has a black feather border. Strangely, it’s just loose skin.

This bird is rare and is only found in two isolated populations – in India and in Southeast Asia. In India, they are found in the states of Bihar and Assam (map below). Even in these areas, they are scarce and scattered.

It used to have larger range. It was found in many parts of north India. It was once the symbol of the then capital city of India (Calcutta) where it once thrived. Yet now, it has disappeared from there and from other areas.

Behavior:

The bird was originally a wader. It has now adapted to living in drier areas because of habitat loss. It feeds on almost anything from fish, frogs, small mammals and reptiles to carrion and even venomous snakes. It’s a useful scavenger. Its local name is ‘Hargila’ meaning ‘the one who swallows bones’.

I was lucky to have chanced upon three of them landing in an isolated grassy area. Upon landing, they quickly took to feeding. I couldn’t see what they were feeding on, but I assumed the meal was snails. They flew away after a while once they were done.

I noticed the neck pouch can be tucked into the feathers. It’s akin to humans tucking their ties under their coats.

Another time, I saw two birds resting on a large bare tree.

Threats:

Historically, this bird was harassed and hunted for quack remedies, for its feathers and shockingly, for fun. Also, the bird was considered a pest. Unfortunately, habitat loss has forced the birds to feed in dumps. These dumps have become famous among those wishing to see this bird. As it scavenges, food poisoning is a big risk as rats are often poisoned, and cattle are usually given drugs. Such drugs are known to have caused a massive decline in vulture populations worldwide. Vultures, like the Adjutants, are scavengers.

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