Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
The Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) is an imposing and strikingly beautiful wading bird, standing as one of the tallest flying birds in many parts of its range, reaching up to 150 cm (59 inches) in height with a wingspan of 220-230 cm (87-91 inches). Its distinctive plumage features an iridescent black neck, head, and secondary flight feathers contrasting sharply with a pristine white body and primary feathers, set atop long, bright coral-red legs. A key identification mark is...
Predominantly found in shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, floodplains, and paddy fields, often adjacent to grasslands or open woodlands, typically in low-lying areas.
Feeds primarily on fish, amphibians (frogs), crustaceans, and large insects; also takes reptiles (snakes), small mammals, and occasionally other birds, caught by a swift stalk-and-strike technique.
Black-necked Storks are largely diurnal, often seen standing motionless or slowly stalking prey in shallow water, and typically roost communally in tall trees or on elevated structures overnight. Their primary foraging strategy involves a slow, deliberate stalk-and-strike method, occasionally emp...
The Black-necked Stork boasts a disjunct distribution, with two recognized subspecies inhabiting distinct geographical areas. The nominate subspecies, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus asiaticus, is found across much of the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and parts of Southeast A...
Near Threatened
- The Black-necked Stork is one of the tallest flying birds in India and Australia, often exceeding 1.5 meters (5 feet) in height. - Unlike many birds, it is largely silent, communicating primarily through bill-clattering, especially during greeting rituals or threat displays. - Males and females...