Asian Openbill
Anastomus oscitans
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Ciconiiformes · Ciconiidae
About
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.
Fun Fact
This distinctive stork is found mainly in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in small cities such as Udaipur in Rajassthan, India, which has several large artificial wetlands within the city limits.
Diet
Feeds mainly on large molluscs, especially Pila species, and they separate the shell from the body of the snail using the tip of the beak.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance