Painted Stork
Mycteria leucocephala
The Painted Stork is a large, brightly colored wading bird found in the wetlands of tropical Asia. It is named for the delicate rose-pink feathers near the tail of adults, contrasting with a white body, black chest band, and a bright yellow down-curved bill. These storks feed in shallow water by sweeping their partially open bills side-to-side to detect and snap up fish.
Painted Stork Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions About the Painted Stork
They use a tactile foraging method: wading with their beak open under water, moving it side-to-side until it touches a fish, and then snapping it shut instantly.
They are mostly resident but perform regional, nomadic movements depending on water levels and monsoon rains.
The Painted Stork is usually gregarious (colonial).
The Painted Stork is typically diurnal.
The Painted Stork is resident (nomadic).
The main threats facing the Painted Stork include Wetland drainage, Pollution, Agriculture encroachment, and Hunting.
The Painted Stork population trend is currently decreasing.
Well-known places to look for the Painted Stork include Keoladeo National Park (India), Kokkare Bellur (India), and Prek Toal (Cambodia).
Natural predators of the Painted Stork include Crows (on eggs), Eagles (on chicks), and Large mammals.
A highly photogenic bird and a favorite of birdwatchers in Asian wetlands.
The Painted Stork is part of the Ciconiidae family and a Ciconiiformes order.
The Painted Stork weighs about 2.7 kg, stands around 98 cm tall, reaches about 98 cm in length, and has a wingspan of about 160 cm.
The Painted Stork can reach speeds of around 48 km/h.
