painted stork

The Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) is a majestic large wader belonging to the stork family. Found across the wetlands of tropical Asia, these birds are iconic symbols of the plains south of the Himalayas and throughout Southeast Asia, known for their striking appearance and social behavior.

This large stork stands approximately 93-100 cm tall with a wingspan of 150-160 cm. It is characterized by a heavy yellow beak with a down-curved tip, resembling an ibis. Adults possess a bare orange or reddish head and distinctive bright pink tertial feathers that extend over the back. A prominent black breast band with white scaly markings further distinguishes this species, while their legs often appear white due to the habit of urohidrosis.

The Painted Stork is a resident of various wet environments, including marshes, lakes, ponds, and freshwater swamp forests. They are also frequently seen in flooded cultivated fields. While primarily lowland birds, they can be found at elevations up to 1,000 metres above sea level.

Their diet is primarily carnivorous, consisting of fish, frogs, and crustaceans. They use a unique tactile foraging method, immersing their half-open beaks in shallow water and sweeping them side-to-side. When the beak touches a fish, it snaps shut instantly. They also use their feet to stir the water and flush out hiding prey.

Painted Storks are colonial nesters, building their nests in trees often in the company of other waterbirds. They reach breeding maturity at two to three years of age. During the nesting period, the only sounds they produce are weak moans or distinct bill clattering.

These birds are often observed soaring on thermals during the late morning as they search for new foraging areas. They are generally non-migratory, making only short-distance movements in response to food availability or weather changes. In groups, they forage in shallow waters and are known for their calm, methodical wading style.

The Painted Stork is widely distributed across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. However, like many wetland species, they are sensitive to habitat loss and the pollution of freshwater ecosystems. They rely on the preservation of large trees near water bodies for successful colonial nesting.

1. The name 'Painted Stork' comes from the delicate pink tips of the adult's tertial feathers.
2. They fly with their necks outstretched, a characteristic shared by all storks.
3. The white appearance of their legs is often caused by defecating on them to cool down, a process called urohidrosis.
4. Despite their large appearance, they typically weigh between 2 to 3.5 kg.
5. They are mostly silent birds, relying on bill clattering for communication at the nest.

• Look for them in shallow wetlands during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light.
• Watch for their sweeping beak motion, which is a signature hunting behavior.
• Scan the skies in the late morning to see them circling on warm air currents.
• Visit known heronries or colonial nesting sites during the breeding season to see large groups together.

The Painted Stork is a fascinating and visually stunning inhabitant of Asia's wetlands. From their specialized tactile hunting to their beautiful pink plumage, they remain a highlight for any birdwatcher exploring the tropical plains and marshes of the continent.