Explanation: The Great Bustard (Otis tarda) is the largest bird found in India, and it is also one of the heaviest flying birds in the world. It belongs to the bustard family, which includes several large terrestrial birds. The Great Bustard is known for its impressive size, with males reaching up to 1.2 meters in height and weighing up to 19 kg. Females are smaller, typically weighing around 10 kg.
The Great Bustard is a ground-dwelling bird that inhabits open grasslands, steppes, and agricultural fields. It is a migratory bird, and in India, it can be found in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and hunting.
In comparison, the Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone) is another large bird found in India, but it is not as heavy as the Great Bustard. The Sarus Crane can grow up to 1.8 meters tall, making it the tallest flying bird in the world, but it is lighter in weight. The Sarus Crane is known for its long legs and neck, and it is a wetland bird that can be found in various parts of India, including the Gangetic plains.
The Hummingbird (family Trochilidae) is a small bird known for its ability to hover and fly backwards. It is not found in India and is much smaller than the Great Bustard. The Tailor Bird (genus Orthotomus) is a small passerine bird that is known for its unique nesting behavior, where it sews leaves together to create a nest. It is also much smaller than the Great Bustard and is not a candidate for the largest bird in India.
In summary, the Great Bustard is the largest bird in India due to its impressive size and weight, making it the correct answer to the question. Understanding the characteristics and habitats of these birds helps in distinguishing between them and recognizing the Great Bustard as the largest bird species in India.