Painted Stork

The Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) is a large wader belonging to the stork family. It is easily recognized by its heavy yellow beak with a down-curved tip, reminiscent of an ibis. The adult's head is bare and exhibits a vibrant orange or reddish hue. Notably, the long tertials are tipped in bright pink, which gracefully extend over the back and rump when the bird is at rest. A distinctive black breast band adorned with white scaly markings is present, continuing into the under-wing coverts. The white tips of the black coverts create the illusion of white stripes running across the under-wing lining. The rest of the body is predominantly whitish in adults, with black primaries and secondaries that have a greenish gloss. The legs range from yellowish to red, often appearing white due to the habit of urohidrosis. The short tail is black with a green gloss. This medium-sized stork stands about 93–102 cm tall, spans 150–160 cm across the wings, and weighs 2–3.5 kg. Males and females are similar in appearance, though males are typically larger.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Painted Stork, look for the pink tertial feathers, the black breast band with white scaly markings, and the heavy yellow beak with a down-curved tip. In flight, they are distinguished by their outstretched neck and the white stripes across the under-wing. Juveniles are brownish with grey bills and lack the vibrant adult coloration.

Habitat

Painted Storks favor freshwater wetlands, but they also frequent irrigation canals and agricultural fields, particularly during the monsoon when rice fields are flooded.

Distribution

These birds are found across the plains of tropical Asia, from the Indian Subcontinent extending into Southeast Asia, south of the Himalayas. They are absent from arid regions, dense forests, and higher hill areas.

Behaviour

Painted Storks are sociable birds, often seen foraging in flocks in shallow waters. They employ a tactile method of feeding, sweeping their half-open beaks side to side in the water to catch small fish. They are known to stir the water with their feet to flush out hiding fish. These storks are not migratory but may move short distances in response to weather or food availability, or for breeding purposes. At the nest, they communicate with weak moans or bill clattering.

Song & Calls

The Painted Stork is mostly silent, but at the nest, it may produce weak moans or engage in bill clattering.

Breeding

They nest colonially in trees, often alongside other waterbirds. The breeding season varies by region, with nest initiation ranging from mid-August in northern India to October in southern India. Clutch size can vary from one to five eggs, with incubation lasting about a month and fledging taking nearly two months.

Similar Species

The Painted Stork can be confused with other storks, but its distinctive pink tertials and black breast band with white scaly markings help differentiate it.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists mainly of small fish, which they sense by touch. They may also consume frogs and occasionally snakes. They forage primarily during the day but can also feed at night under certain conditions.

Conservation Status

The Painted Stork is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, some populations, particularly along the Indus River system, are endangered, and conservation efforts are necessary to protect nesting colonies and prevent the illegal bird trade.