One of the most striking and unusual storks in the world, found in parts of India and Cambodia. Its appearance is unforgettable: a mostly bare, pinkish head and neck, a massive yellow-orange bill, and a distinct fleshy pouch that hangs from its neck like a sagging balloon. This pouch is not just for show—it may play a role in thermoregulation and display, though it’s one of the traits that give the bird its “awkward” reputation. The rest of its body is a mix of dark gray and white, and in flight, it looks almost prehistoric, with broad wings and a slow, heavy beat that carries it high over wetlands, garbage dumps, and villages.
What makes the Greater adjutant stand out among storks is its feeding habits and lifestyle. Unlike elegant storks that focus mainly on live fish or frogs, the Greater adjutant is a true scavenger, much like a vulture. It feeds on carrion, scraps, and even human refuse, making it one of nature’s cleanup crews. Its bald head and long, powerful bill are perfect for this job, keeping feathers from getting messy while digging into carcasses or picking through trash. At the same time, it also hunts live prey, such as fish, snakes, and small mammals, showing a versatility that allows it to thrive in both wild wetlands and human-altered landscapes. In India, it is often seen patrolling garbage dumps around cities, towering over crows and dogs as it searches for food, an unusual sight for a stork.
Socially, the Greater adjutant is different from many storks because of its tendency to nest in colonies of hundreds of birds, often in tall trees in villages or near wetlands. The nests are massive stick platforms, and the birds’ loud bill-clattering and guttural calls create a noisy, bustling rookery. These colonies can become local landmarks, and in places like Assam, India, the bird is so well-known that it has earned the affectionate nickname “Hargila,” meaning “bone-swallower.”
Distribution
Bangladesh
Cambodia
India
Laos
Myanmar
Nepal
Pakistan
Thailand
VietnamAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
