Lesser adjutant storks - The dying breed
 

Family/Sub-family CICONIIDAE
Species name author (Horsfield, 1821)
Taxonomic sources Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)
Identification 122-129 cm. Very large stork, dark grey-black above, white below, with naked head and neck. Non-breeders have mostly yellowish head and neck skin with vinous-tinged head sides and contrastingly pale forehead. Breeding males show coppery spots on median coverts, narrow whitish edges to lower scapulars, tertials and inner greater coverts and redder head sides. Juvenile is duller and less glossy above, with more down on head and neck. The lesser adjutant feeds on frogs, fish and small reptiles.

#1
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Adjutants (either this species, Greater Adjutant or both) used to be widespread and common in southern China at least seasonally; they were named tu-qiu ("autumn bird" or "sad bird") in Shi Jing ("The Book of Songs", fifth or sixth century B.C.), and regarded as a bad omen, the killing of which was occasionally actively encouraged. In the Yuan Dynasty (around twelfth century A.D.), dead adjutants were submitted to government officials as a kind of tax.

#2
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The birds inhabit natural and man-modified wetlands, both open and forested. Coastal populations frequent mangroves and intertidal flats. It nests colonially in large trees, and historically on cliffs, often at traditional sites in or adjacent to wetlands. Other places include riverbeds, floodplains, swamps, forest pools, lakes and paddy fields.

#3
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The lesser adjutant is classified as Vulnerable (VU A2cd + 3cd; C1) on the IUCN Red List 2004. Once a widespread and common species, the lesser adjutant has undergone a rapid decline in numbers recently, and is now rare throughout its range, with a 1997 population estimate of 5,000 birds.

#4
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Generally a solitary bird, the lesser adjutant only forms groups during the breeding season. This occurs at the beginning of the dry season, which varies geographically. Small, loose colonies of lesser adjutant construct their nests in patches of tall trees that have a thick undergrowth of bamboo and are located on the edge of suitable wetlands. Courtship is lengthy, starting three months before eggs are laid. The nest consists of a large, flat platform of sticks lodged between thick branches of a tall tree. The male selects the nest site, carrying twigs to it to indicate his choice, as nests usually remain intact from one year to the next. Between one and four eggs are laid and are incubated for 28 – 30 days. The hatchlings emerge weak and sparsely feathered. Both parents tend to the eggs and bring food to the hatchlings.

#5
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Several threats are contributing to its decline, with their relative importance varying across its range. The loss of nest-sites through the felling of colony nest trees is a major threat. In many areas, drainage and conversion of wetland feeding areas, agricultural intensification, increased pesticide use and disturbance, and hunting and collection of eggs, chicks and adults are major threats. Coastal populations are threatened by large-scale development, including aquaculture and the clearance of mangroves.

#6
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#7
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This series is dedicated to Clarisse Ong (my gf) / tripod holder, lens remover, CF card changer, sweat wiper, GPS marker etc... and the guys who drive around with me, like Mr Allan Teo and Dr Eric MM! ;)

was this shot in Malaysia ???

solid lah bro !!!!\

:drool:

anyway, never seen this fella b4

Great series and great pics :thumb: :thumb:

Yeah these guys are extinct in SGP... thanks guys! Wake up so early ah... :o

Again you take my breath away!!!!!! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

I think you can consider a career in wild-life photography. Very interesting write-up and excellent breath-taking pictures. I really like your flights pics, very good angle as well. You did your lens a good service!!

Send your series to National Geographic lah.... No risk no gain :lol:

Outstanding flight shots. :thumb:

:Nono: No no no WK... I think you will make loads loads more money being a hawker selling curry puffs :D

Anyway... I think your shots of the botak bird is great... making me more and more envious of your 600mm GPMG. Can you make it this Sunday for a trip back there or is sacred day for you? I cannot make Sat lah... got prior appt with NParks.

MM

Come to think about it, actually you are right :lol: :lol: :lol:

hehheheh tell you already mah.. once you convert to Kwanon, I'll sell you the 600mm! U and only U!! I'll go find a sponser for another 600mm .. hehehhe.. hint hint!! Sunday I have to be around, i got classes to conduct... even though i very much wana do a overnight! :(

Nice series there Jonathan, excellent pics and great write-up as well. First time I have seen the LA fledglings. Well done. :thumb:

Sorry, OT a bit, MM switching systems ar? :p

Great info and pictures WK. Nesting shots again :cool:

Solid shots and good write-up :thumb: Thanks of sharing.

Cheers

No lar.. just disturbing him!! ;p thanks guys for the thumbups! Sree! I think people going to label me as the Nestman already lar... whole day spot nests.. :wahpiang:

wonder if these fellas are related to those scavengers on the African plans competing wth vultures over some lions' kill.......... :dunno:

I dun think so.. but i am looking into documenting some Imperial/Storm eagles... :biggrinlo

hahahaha !!!!
:lol:

Imperial Eagles DO come to our dear Tanah Merah and Punggol area during their migration! :D That's like 5km from me! humhahhaha..... Want anymore nesting shots?