Lesser Florican – Sypothetides India

Birding Report

Estimation and consensus through afield survey on the line transect method, project executed by WII – Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, under the Guidelines for the Recovery of Lesser Florican Programme, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.

Survey Locations

Field Notes

The survey began on Day 1 from Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, with a long drive to Naliya in Abdasa, Kutch. Although the internet suggested a 6 to 7 hour drive, the team reached Kutch only by sundown. Despite Gujarat having some of the best roads in the country, delays occurred due to cattle herds dominating the smaller roads.

Midway near Maliya, the team crossed a small lake and got the first taste of Kutch’s brown sandy landscape. The lake held nearly 500 birds of multiple species, with Black-headed Ibis and Great Cormorant being the most prominent. Since the trip was dedicated to estimating Lesser Florican numbers, birding remained opportunistic in nature.

After crossing Bhuj in the evening, the team reached village Tera, about 12 kms before Naliya, where they stayed in a small rest house or dharamshala used by WII researchers. The place had been donated by the Maharaja of Kutch for nature studies. The ashram veranda, built around a large oak tree, hosted species like Purple Sunbird and Asian Koel.

The field team included Shabbu, a dedicated field man for the Great Indian Bustard, and Azar, an all-rounder and local resident of Tera village, who also cooked meals for the group. The experience gave a strong realization that ornithology is demanding work, especially for someone coming from the comforts of an urban advertising background.

Discussions with Shabbu introduced the author to the Houbara Bustard, a winter migrant to western India. Unlike the Great Indian Bustard, which may remain stationary for long periods in overcast and mild rainy conditions, the Houbara is highly alert to human presence and quickly takes flight. Naliya was described as a unique hotspot where all three bustards—Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, and Houbara—can be found together in September.

On 31st August 2014, the team explored Kunatha, Bhachunda, and Sandhav. The grassland habitat was experienced for the first time, while opportunistic birding included Shikra, Red-naped Ibis, Southern Grey Shrike, Eurasian Roller, Indian Robin, Wire-tailed Swallow, Dusky Crag Martin, Baya Weaver, and Variable Wheatear.

On 1st September 2014, the team visited Bhuj city to meet the DFO, Mr. Vihol, who eventually permitted the research. He reported only two recent records from Suthri and Jhako in Naliya, which was worrying considering that Sankaran had recorded nearly 50 Lesser Floricans in the area in 2001. Strict instructions were also given against carrying professional cameras or filming equipment in the study zones.

Surveys on 2nd and 3rd September began early each morning using binoculars, range finder, GPS meter, bearing compass, field data sheets, and a simple click-and-shoot camera. These were identified as essential tools for line transect surveys. The GPS, especially a Garmin unit preloaded with WII grids, helped record bird positions accurately. The bearing compass was used for angle-based relocation of bird sightings.

The survey areas around Suthri and Sandhaa consisted of muddy terrain with shrubland textures and mixed brown-green landscapes. Due to rains in the previous week, the terrain had become muddy and sticky. On one excursion, the team’s 4x4 vehicle got stuck in the sand and had to be pulled out by a tractor brought from 10 kms away.

Birding during these days recorded Indian Courser, Red-naped Ibis, Grey Francolin, Rain Quail, Rosy Starling, Eurasian Roller, Grey-backed Shrike, Long-tailed Shrike, Hoopoe, Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark, Variable Wheatear, Jungle Babbler, and Black-shouldered Kite. However, Lesser Florican still remained elusive.

On 4th September 2014, the team visited Lala Wildlife Sanctuary near Jhakao, a border region close to the Kutch coast. At the sanctuary gate, just around 100 metres ahead, they heard the first frog-like croak—“turr turr turr”—and finally spotted the first Lesser Florican after nearly a week in the field. The weather was mild and overcast, and the solitary bird was seen displaying.

This sighting raised interesting discussion about whether Lesser Floricans always follow a lek system of mating and display, or whether solitary behaviour is also part of their breeding ecology. Threats to the area were clearly visible, especially the presence of wind turbines and cattle grazing close to the displaying bird within the sanctuary.

Opportunistic birding at Lala included Hoopoe, Western Reef Egret, and Variable Wheatear, along with other common Kutch species. On 5th September, excursions recorded Isabelline Shrike, Grey-backed Shrike, Rain Quail, and Sandgrouse.

On 6th September, the team planned visits to Bhanada and Kothara. During a morning tea stop, a memorable interaction occurred with a chai stall owner, who explained that the Common Mynas and Rosy Starlings nearby were feeding on gathiya—a deep-fried gram flour snack popular in Gujarat. This was one of many vivid field moments that added cultural texture to the survey experience.