Black-necked Stork

The Black-necked Stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, is a majestic wading bird of the stork family. It stands tall, with a height ranging from 129 to 150 cm and a wingspan of about 230 cm. The plumage is a striking contrast of glossy bluish-black iridescent head, neck, secondary flight feathers, and tail, with a bright white back and belly. The bill is robust and black, with a slightly concave upper edge, and the legs are a vivid red.

Identification Tips

Adults can be distinguished by their eye color: females have a yellow iris, while males possess a darker, almost brownish iris. Juveniles are distinguishable by their brownish iris, smaller and straighter beak, and a generally fluffier appearance with brown and white plumage. When in flight, the Black-necked Stork is easily identified by its outstretched neck and the distinctive black bar running through its white wings.

Habitat

This stork favors a variety of wetland habitats, from natural lakes, marshes, and rivers to human-made paddy fields and irrigation canals. It is also occasionally found in coastal wetlands, including mangrove creeks and marshes.

Distribution

The Black-necked Stork is widely distributed across the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and the northern half of Australia. It is less common in peninsular India and Sri Lanka and is a rare visitor to southern and eastern Pakistan.

Behaviour

The species is known for its territorial nature, especially when feeding and breeding. It performs a captivating dance-like display during courtship, where pairs engage in a synchronized ritual of wing fluttering and bill clattering.

Song & Calls

While generally silent, at the nest, the Black-necked Stork can produce low-pitched, resonant bill-clattering sounds. Juveniles may emit a series of mildly-warbling, high-pitched whistles when soliciting food.

Breeding

Nesting typically begins during the monsoon, with nests built on large trees in secluded wetlands or agricultural fields. The clutch size varies from one to five eggs, with the chicks hatching after an estimated 30-day incubation period. Fledglings are known to stay near the nest for about a year before dispersing.

Similar Species

The Black-necked Stork can be confused with the migratory Black Stork, but the latter has all-black wings and lacks the Black-necked Stork's distinctive black bar through the white wings.

Diet and Feeding

A carnivorous bird, its diet includes a variety of prey such as water-birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. It has also been observed preying on turtle eggs and hatchlings.

Conservation status

The Black-necked Stork is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat destruction, overfishing, pollution, and other human-induced threats. However, it maintains healthy populations in some agricultural landscapes, indicating adaptability to certain human activities.