About the Lesser Adjutant
The lesser adjutant is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. Like other members of its genus, it has a bare neck and head. It is however more closely associated with wetland habitats where it is solitary and is less likely to scavenge than the related greater adjutant. It is a widespread species found from India through Southeast Asia.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
A large stork with an upright stance, a bare head and neck without a pendant pouch, it has a length of 87–93 cm (34–37 in) (outstretched from bill-to-tail measurement), weighs from 4 to 5.71 kg (8.8 to 12.6 lb) and stands about 110–120 cm (43–47 in) tall. The only confusable species is the greater adjutant, but this species is generally smaller and has a straight upper bill edge (culmen), measuring 25.8–30.8 cm (10.2–12.1 in) in length, with a paler base and appears slightly trimmer and less hunch-backed.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Lesser Adjutant lives
When to see the Lesser Adjutant
Peak activity in January · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Marabou StorkLeptoptilos crumeniferThe marabou stork is a massive bird: large specimens are thought to reach a height of 152 centimetres (5 feet) and a weight of 9 kg (20 lb).
Greater AdjutantLeptoptilos dubiusThe greater adjutant is a huge bird, standing tall at 145–150 cm (4 ft 9 in – 4 ft 11 in).
Learn the Lesser Adjutant in BeakBrain
Photo and call practice, free in any browser.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.