Painted Stork

A pair of painted storks has recently been spotted in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) after a four-year hiatus.

About the Painted Stork

The painted stork (scientific name: Mycteria leucocephala) is a large wading bird belonging to the stork family

• Distribution: Painted storks are commonly found across the Indian Subcontinent, extending into Southeast Asia. They are typically seen in the plains, especially in freshwater wetlands, but can also be found in irrigation canals and agricultural fields.

• Habitat: They primarily inhabit freshwater wetlands such as lakes, ponds, and marshes. During the monsoon season, they are often found in flooded rice fields, which provide ample food sources.

• Movement: The painted stork is not migratory. It makes short-distance movements, typically related to changes in food availability or weather, and sometimes for breeding.

• Diet: The painted stork is carnivorous and primarily feeds on small fish. However, it also consumes crustaceans, amphibians, insects, and reptiles. Their feeding behavior typically involves wading through shallow waters and using their long bills to forage.

Physical Features of the Painted Stork

• Appearance: Painted storks are easily identifiable by their distinctive features. They are the only storks within the genus Mycteria that have a black pectoral band across their chest.

• Sexual Dimorphism: There is little to no sexual dimorphism in painted storks. Males are generally slightly larger than females, but both sexes share similar physical traits.

Conservation Status

• The painted stork is currently listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, meaning that while they are not immediately at risk of extinction, they face threats from habitat loss, human disturbance, and climate change, which could affect their populations in the future.

• Efforts to conserve their habitats, such as protecting wetlands and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices, are vital to preventing further decline in their numbers.

Conclusion

The return of the painted stork to Kaziranga National Park after four years highlights the dynamic nature of bird populations and the importance of conserving wetlands.