Adult © mathew thekkethala eBird S41026048 Macaulay Library ML 77860381
Juvenile © Sanjay Malik
Adult © Indranil Bhattacharjee
Adult © Michael Weaver
Adult © Hemant Kirola
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Adult © Ramesh Desai

Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

A relatively small stork species with a grayish to white body and black wings and tail with a hint of gloss. The Asian Openbill gets its name from a distinctive gap in the dull grayish yellow bill. Note the pinkish legs. Asian Openbills inhabit wetland habitats including shallow marshes, flooded agricultural fields, and lakes. From a distance they could be confused with herons, but they can be clearly distinguished from herons by their feeding habits—wading slowly through shallow water. Soars frequently, often in large dense flocks; note extended neck, unlike retracted neck of herons and egrets.

POWERED BY MERLIN