Birdsong field guide
Greater Adjutant
Leptoptilos dubius
The Greater Adjutant is a massive, endangered stork easily identified by its naked neck, massive bill, and a unique pendulous throat pouch.
What it sounds like
Usually silent, but performs loud rhythmic bill-clattering and produces low grunts or croaks during nesting.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- It stands up to 150 cm tall with a wingspan that can reach 250 cm.
- The large inflatable gular pouch is used for courtship displays and is not connected to the digestive tract.
- Its name 'Adjutant' was inspired by its stiff, military-like gait when walking on the ground.
- The species is one of the rarest storks globally, with primary breeding populations restricted to Assam, Bihar, and Cambodia.
- They are opportunistic scavengers that play a critical ecological role by feeding on carrion and urban waste.
Habitat
Wetlands, marshes, and flooded grasslands, often congregating near landfills and slaughterhouses.
Range
South and Southeast Asia, primarily Northeast India and Cambodia.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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