‘So cute’: Lesser florican’s courtship dance amazes netizens

The clip shows a lush green field and the bird pops up from the bushes. It leaps higher fluttering its wings, and its movement against the backdrop of a picturesque field amid the breeze gives a soothing effect.

The bird belongs to the bustard family and is highly endangered, according to Pandey. “Leaping breeding displays by males in Lesser and Bengal Floricans is a visual treat to watch. Members of Bustard family these birds are endemic to country and highly endangered. VC: @zubinashara,” he tweeted.

Leaping breeding displays by males in Lesser and Bengal Floricans is a visual treat to watch. Members of Bustard family these birds are endemic to country and highly endangered.
VC: @zubinashara pic.twitter.com/zaaBWQp2ll

— Ramesh Pandey (@rameshpandeyifs) December 2, 2022

The clip was initially posted by Zubin Ashram, media co-head of the Gujarat BJP. The male birds leap continuously to a height of 1.5-2 m and make frog-like sounds. “The Lesser Florican is best known for its aerial courtship when the male makes a series of spectacular jumps to a height of 1.5 to 2 m. You can hear frog-like sound made by the Florican during his aerial courtship,” Ashram tweeted.

Since being shared on Friday, the clip has amassed more than 6,000 views. A user commented, “So cute.” Another user wrote, “Dance of courtship by the Bengal floricans. This the bird is doing to attract females. Higher the jump higher the chances of mating.”

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The lesser florican is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, is spotted in grasslands and is known for its leaping- breeding displays. As per eBird, the males are alluring with their pale wings and fluffy bodies, while light-brown females stand apart with their size and shape. The male’s courtship dance brings them to light during the breeding season, or else they are hard to find.