The
painted stork (
Mycteria leucocephala) is a large
wading bird in the
stork family. It is found in the
wetlands of the plains of tropical Asia. Its distinctive pink
tertial feathers give it its name. This stork forages in flocks in shallow waters along rivers or lakes, immersing its half open
beak in water and sweeping it from side to side to snap up its prey. The painted stork nests colonially in trees, often along with other waterbirds. The only sounds it produces are weak moans or bill clattering at the nest. This bird is not
migratory and only makes short distance movements in some parts of its range.
Photograph: JJ Harrison