lesser florican

The Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus), also known as the Kharmore, is the smallest member of the bustard family. Endemic to the Indian subcontinent, this elusive bird is celebrated for the male's extraordinary aerial courtship displays during the monsoon season.

Measuring between 46-51 cm in length, the Lesser Florican exhibits significant sexual dimorphism. Breeding males are striking with a jet-black head, neck, and underparts, complemented by long, spatulate-tipped feathers behind the ears. In contrast, females and non-breeding males possess a cryptic sandy-brown plumage with dark streaks, providing excellent camouflage in tall grasslands.

The Lesser Florican primarily inhabits tall grasslands, also known as 'vidi' in some regions, and seasonally flooded areas. During the breeding season, they are often found in traditional grasslands and occasionally in standing crops like sorghum and cotton. They require open spaces with sufficient cover for nesting and foraging.

This species is omnivorous, feeding on a wide variety of prey and plant matter. Their diet typically includes insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and ants, as well as small vertebrates like lizards and frogs. They also consume seeds, succulent shoots, and berries found within their grassland habitat.

Breeding occurs during the monsoon season (July to September). The males are famous for their spectacular leaping displays, jumping up to two meters into the air to attract females. Nesting takes place on the ground, where the female lays 2 to 5 eggs in a shallow scrape hidden among dense vegetation.

The Lesser Florican is a shy and elusive bird, often remaining hidden in tall grass. They are most active during the early morning and late evening (crepuscular). While they are largely solitary, they become more visible during the breeding season when males vocally and physically advertise their presence to rivals and mates.

The Lesser Florican is currently classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The population has faced a drastic decline due to habitat loss, conversion of grasslands to agricultural land, overgrazing, and predation by stray dogs and feral animals.

1. It is the smallest of all the bustard species in the world.
2. Male Lesser Floricans can leap into the air up to 500 times in a single day during the peak of the breeding season.
3. The bird's presence is considered a bio-indicator of a healthy grassland ecosystem.
4. They are known to be local migrants, moving across the Indian subcontinent in response to rainfall patterns.

• Visit during Monsoon: The best time to spot them is between July and September when males are displaying.
• Maintain Distance: These birds are extremely sensitive to disturbance; always use a spotting scope or binoculars.
• Visit Protected Areas: Locations like Velavadar Blackbuck National Park (Gujarat) and Sailana Kharmore Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh) are top sightings spots.
• Listen for the Call: The male makes a distinct 'croak' sound during his jumps, which can help locate them in tall grass.

The Lesser Florican is a magnificent yet fragile part of India's natural heritage. Protecting its remaining grassland habitats is crucial for the survival of this unique species. By promoting sustainable land use and conservation awareness, we can ensure that the spectacular leaps of the Kharmore continue to grace the Indian landscape.