Leptoptilos javanicus

(Horsfield, 1821)

Vernacular names
English : Lesser adjutant
French : Marabout chevelu

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Pelecaniformes
Family : Ciconiidae
Notes : No subspecies known

Identification
Up to 120 cm in length, no information on weight. Plumage dark grey (with blue tinge) on back, white on belly. Neck yellow with no inflatable pouch. Dark red head with wrinkles around cheeks and white bony plate on top. Long yellow bill.

Range and habitat
Scattered populations in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indochina, Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Bali. Lives in coastal areas, mangroves, marshes, lakes, mudflats and swamps.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : Formerly numerous within range but many populations declining because of destruction of lowlands, eggs harvesting and hunting.
Ex-Situ Programs : ESB in Europe

Observation
Khao Kheow Open Zoo (Thailand), Dai Nam Zoo (Vietnam), TMII Bird Park (Indonesia)

 

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