Juvenile © Hemanth Byatroy
Adult © Sanjay Malik
Adult © Sivaguru Noopuran PRS
© Shanmugam Saravanan

Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala

Sign in to see your badges

Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

A large stork with a long yellow bill that curves down at the tip, like that of an Ibis. Adult is primarily white with black striped markings on the wings and bright pink on tertials. Also note the bright orange face, pinkish legs, and speckled band across the chest. Immatures are duller, with a brown wash, and lack the chest band. These storks typically fly with their head and neck drooping almost at or below the belly level. Often seen near water bodies such as wetlands, marshes, and flooded agricultural fields. Breeds in crowded colonies, often with other waterbirds.

POWERED BY MERLIN