Definition

Noun 1. A large stork of India and Southeast Asia: A very large species of stork (Leptoptilos dubius) native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, characterized by its tall stature, bare head and neck, and a distinctive, upright, marching posture reminiscent of a military adjutant. 2. A bird with a distinctive posture: It is named for its stiff, soldier-like bearing when standing or walking.

Usage

• The term "adjutant stork" is a compound noun used specifically as the common name for this bird species. It is always used as a singular, countable noun.
• It is often found in ornithological texts, wildlife documentaries, and travel writing about South and Southeast Asia.

Examples

• "We were fortunate to spot an adjutant stork wading in the wetlands."
• "The adjutant stork is one of the largest storks in the world."
• "Due to habitat loss, the population of the adjutant stork is declining."

Advanced Usage

• The name is derived from the bird's perceived resemblance to a military adjutant (an officer's assistant), standing tall and observing its surroundings.
• It is sometimes simply called the "greater adjutant" to distinguish it from the related "lesser adjutant" stork.

Variants and Related Words

• Greater adjutant: A more precise common name for the same species ().
• Leptoptilos dubius: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.
• Stork: The general family of birds (Ciconiidae) to which it belongs.
• Marabou stork: A closely related African species () with a similar appearance.

Synonyms

• Greater adjutant
• (scientific name)

Related Idioms or Phrases

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs using "adjutant stork." The term is used literally to refer to the bird.

Noun

1. large Indian stork with a military gait