Great Indian Bustard
The great Indian bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and one of India's most critically endangered species, with fewer than 150 individuals remaining. A large ground-dwelling bird of the Indian grasslands and thorn scrub, it has declined catastrophically due to hunting, habitat conversion, and collision with power lines. Urgent conservation measures including captive breeding are now underway to prevent its extinction.
Average Length
1.2 m
Average Weight
15 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Top Speed
N/A
Quick Facts
The Great Indian Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world.
Fewer than 150 individuals remain in the wild, making it critically endangered.
Desert National Park in Rajasthan is its last significant stronghold.
Powerlines are a major cause of death — they cannot see them in time while flying.
Habitat & Range
Habitats
Regions
Behavior & Reproduction
Activity Pattern
Diurnal
Social Structure
Solitary or small groups
Gestation Period
27 days incubation
Litter Size
1
Predators
Foxes, Jackals, Eagles, Humans
