Woolly-necked Stork

General Description The Asian woolly-necked stork (Ciconia episcopus) is a large wading bird standing 75–92 cm tall. Its plumage is predominantly glistening black with a distinctive downy white neck. The iris is a deep crimson or wine-red, and it has long red legs and a heavy, blackish bill. The tail is deeply forked and usually covered by black under tail coverts. Juveniles resemble adults but are duller with less iridescence and a feathered forehead.

Identification Tips

This species features a black "skull cap" and elongated iridescent feathers on the fore-neck, which are coppery-purple and can be erected during displays. When in flight, a narrow band of bright unfeathered skin is visible along the underside of the forearm.

Habitat

The Asian woolly-necked stork is found in a variety of freshwater wetlands, including seasonal and perennial reservoirs, marshes, crop lands, irrigation canals, and rivers. It is commonly seen in agricultural areas and wetlands outside protected zones across South Asia and Myanmar. The species also uses coastal areas in Asia, particularly in Sulawesi.

Distribution

This stork is widely distributed across Asia, from India to Indonesia, including the Philippines and the Malay Peninsula. It breeds in trees located in agricultural fields or wetlands, on natural cliffs, and occasionally on cell phone towers. It has been sighted at altitudes up to 3,790 m in China and 3,540 m in Nepal.

Behaviour

The woolly-necked stork is often seen alone, in pairs, or in small family groups, with flocks being rare. It uses broad wings for soaring and relies on thermals for sustained flight. The species displays a range of calls, including bisyllabic whistles and fierce hissing sounds. It also engages in dramatic aerial displays such as rolling and tumbling.

Song & Calls

Adults emit bisyllabic whistles during nest displays and produce a fierce hissing sound when threatened.

Breeding

Nests are typically large and made of sticks, built on trees or occasionally on cliffs. Clutch sizes range from two to six eggs. In north India, nests are often found on Dalbergia sissoo, Ficus religiosa, and Eucalyptus sp. Nest sites are frequently reused, and brood sizes can be large, with up to six chicks fledging from a single nest.

Similar Species

The African woolly-necked stork (Ciconia microscelis) is morphologically similar but has differences in the edges of the black cap and geographical distribution.

Diet and Feeding

This stork feeds on amphibians, reptiles, and insects, walking slowly and steadily on the ground to seek its prey.

Conservation Status

Initially classified as "Vulnerable" due to concerns about deforestation, the Asian woolly-necked stork was downlisted to "Near-threatened" in 2019. Recent evidence suggests the population is much larger than previously estimated, especially in South Asia where it thrives in agricultural landscapes. The population in South Asia alone is estimated to be over 200,000 individuals. However, the species faces an uncertain future in Southeast Asia due to threats to protected reserves and wetlands.