- Lesser Adjutant
Taxobox
name = Lesser Adjutant
status = VU | status_system = IUCN3.1
trend = down
|thumb|Lesser Adjutant
image_caption = Lesser Adjutant ("Leptoptilos javanicus")
image_width = 225px
regnum =Animal ia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo =Ciconiiformes
familia =Ciconiidae
genus = "Leptoptilos "
species = "L. javanicus"
binomial = "Leptoptilos javanicus"
binomial_authority = Horsfield, 1821The Lesser Adjutant, "Leptoptilos javanicus", is a large wading bird in the
stork familyCiconiidae . It is a widespread species which is resident breeder in southernAsia fromIndia east to southernChina and Java.This is a huge bird, typically 110-120 cm (43-48 in) tall, weighing about 5 kg (11 lbs) and has a 210 cm (83 in) wingspan. It is, however, the smallest member of the "
Leptoptilos " genus. Its upper body and wings are black, but the belly and undertail are white. The head and neck are bare like those of avulture . The pale bill is long and thick. Juveniles are a duller version of the adult.Most storks fly with neck outstretched, but the three "
Leptoptilos " species retract their neck in flight like aheron .The Lesser Adjutant breeds in wetlands in tropical lowland. It builds a stick nest in trees. It often forms small colonies.
The Lesser Adjutant, like most of its relatives, feeds mainly on
frog s and largeinsect s, but also young birds,lizard s androdent s. It will also eatcarrion , for which its bare head and neck is an adaptation.References
* Database entry includes a range map, a brief justification of why this species is vulnerable, and the criteria used
* Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp; "Birds of India". ISBN 0-691-04910-6External links
* [http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=3840&m=0 BirdLife Species Factsheet.]
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