In Thar’s wide realm, it walks the desert floor
And treads the plains where arid spirits soar
Godavan – a heavy wayfarer that seldom flies
And rules the trails beneath the blazing skies.
With stately height and crested crown of black
Great Indian Bustard walks lonely desert track
A neck of pristine white and deep brown wings
It displays regal sight while dry wind gently sings.
The bold male inflates pouch like snow-white foam
To attract a watchful mate who shares his home
Suitor’s resonant boom echoes across the space
Enchanted, she accepts the proposed nesting place.
A single egg is laid in grassy nest with tender care
Safe from the power lines that cross the arid air
Diverters bright now guide the chick’s first flight
Within fenced sanctuary guarded day and night.
Though shadows of extinction haunt the plain
Devoted human hands will not let hope be vain
Through the captive breeding and devoted care
Hope for its survival lingers still upon the desert air.
The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) is more popularly known as Godawan or Godavan, predominantly in Rajasthan, where it is declared as official state bird. It has many regional, vernacular and descriptive names across the different states and linguistic belts: such as Maldhok in Maharashtra, Ghorad or Ghorar in Gujarat/Kutch region, and Sohan Chiriya or Sonchirya in Hindi-speaking areas, including parts of Madhya Pradesh. It’s a large bird about 1 metre (3.3 feet) to 1.2 metres (3 to 4 feet) tall with a total length from head to tail of about 0.92 metre to 1.2 metres (3 to 4 feet).
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