The Asian Openbill is a large-sized stork with a unique, unmistakable appearance. Its name comes from the distinctive gap between the upper and lower parts of its bill, even when closed. This adaptation helps it efficiently catch its primary food source, freshwater snails. The bird’s plumage is mostly white with a contrast of black on the wings and tail, which shimmer with a greenish or purplish tint.
This stork is commonly found in wetlands, including marshes, rice paddies, and shallow lakes, across South and Southeast Asia. It is a gregarious species, often seen in large flocks. Asian Openbills are graceful flyers, gliding with slow wingbeats and a distinctive outstretched neck, typical of storks.
During the breeding season, they nest in colonies, often in tall trees near water. Their nests are built from sticks and may be reused for several years. They are primarily silent birds but can occasionally produce a clattering sound by snapping their bills, especially during courtship displays.
The Asian Openbill’s populations are stable, thanks to its adaptability to human-modified landscapes like agricultural fields, making it a frequent and familiar sight in its range.
Today we add a large wader in the stork family to our Birdorable flock: it's the Asian Openbill! The Asian Openbill is a fascinating species of stork native to South and Southeast Asia. This large-sized wading bird is known for its unique bill structure, which... Read more »
