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WetlandPlatform nestLarge · 1.1 kg
ID tip
The Asian openbill stork is predominantly greyish (non-breeding season) or white (breeding season) with glossy black wings and tail that have a green or purple sheen. The name is derived from the distinctive gap formed between the recurved lower and arched upper mandible of the beak in adult birds. Young birds do not have this gap. The cutting edges of the mandible have a fine brush like structure that is thought to give them better grip on the shells of snails. The tail consists of twelve feathers and the preen gland has a tuft. The mantle is black and the bill is horn-grey.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Asian Openbill
One bar for each month. Filled bars are the 11 months with records; pale bars are months with none. The wide bar is January, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Asian Openbill
The map shades 15 countries with regular records. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
About the Asian Openbill
The Asian openbill or Asian openbill stork is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. This distinctive stork is found mainly in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is greyish or white with glossy black wings and tail. Adults have a gap between the arched upper mandible and recurved lower mandible which is thought to be an adaptation that aids in the handling of snails, their main prey. Young birds are born without this gap. Although resident within their range, they make long distance movements in response to weather and food availability.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Side by side: African Openbill vs Asian Openbill
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