Other Scientific Names
Eupodotis indica [Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)], Sypheotides indica [Collar and Andrew (1988)], Sypheotides indica [Collar et al. (1994)], Sypheotides indica [BirdLife International (2000)], Sypheotides indica [BirdLife International (2004)]
North-western India, mainly in Gujarat. In non-breeding season, moves to Deccan of central and southern India; occasional records from Nepal.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 2,200 (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Habitat loss and degradation of grassland owing to conversion for agriculture and overgrazing, and hunting are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
Frog-like croaks during display and short whistle when flushed.
Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus) [XC147685]
by vir joshi from Shokli, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India (call)
Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus) [XC428814]
by Saurabh Sawant from Shokaliya village outskirts, Ajmer District, India (flight call, song)
Subspecies
Genus occasionally merged with Eupodotis, but differs notably from all other bustards except Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) in showing reversed sexual size dimorphism.
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) which is larger and shorter-necked, with no head plumes and no white collar.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet