CICONIIFORMES

Ciconiidae

Over-sized Large Malaysian Birds

Stork

The relationship between humans and white storks is often characterized by a mutual symbiosis, wherein both species coexist harmoniously in rural and urban settings where storks are commonly found. In Japanese folklore and culture, the stork holds a significant symbolic role, representing the harbinger of good fortune and happiness. Believed to possess an exceptionally long lifespan, the stork is considered a bearer of blessings, symbolizing peace, happiness, fertility, birth, and rebirth.

Storks, characterized by their large size, long legs, long necks, and stout bills, typically exhibit black and white feathers. Some species lack feathers on the head and neck, revealing red, pink, or black skin. The Painted Stork, named for its distinctive pink tertial feathers, stands out among its counterparts. While storks are generally mute, they communicate through bill clattering, especially at their nests.

Primarily insect-eaters, most storks, including the Painted Stork, display a diverse appetite encompassing fish and other animal prey. Their adeptness at adapting their bills to the natural environment is noteworthy. When searching for fish in shallow water, storks open their bills, shaking their heads back and forth. Occasionally, they employ their wings to direct fish towards their open bills.

With a lifespan ranging from 20 to 30 years, Painted Storks are colony nesters, often sharing nesting sites with other large birds. Remarkably, their nests are reusable for numerous years. Additionally, several stork species are migratory, further contributing to the diversity and adaptability of these fascinating birds.

  CICONIIFORMES

 29  Ciconiidae

Stork

     
 Milky Stork

 

 Mycteria cinerea
     
Painted Stork

 

 Mycteria leucocephala
     
Storm's Stork

 

 Ciconia stormi
     
Woolly-necked Stork

 

 Ciconia episcopus
 

Asian Openbill

he Asian Openbill bird, though appearing relatively small for a stork, stands at a height of 68 cm. These birds inhabit various wetland environments, including shallow marshes, flooded agricultural fields, and lakes. While they might be mistaken for herons at a distance, there are distinctive features setting them apart. Notably, their feeding habits involve wading slowly through shallow waters, frequently saltating, and often congregating in large, dense flocks. Additionally, their extended necks, in contrast to the retracted necks of herons and egrets in flight, serve as a distinguishing characteristic.

From afar, the Asian Openbill may resemble a white stork or Oriental stork. Their short legs exhibit hues ranging from pinkish to grey, turning reddish prior to the breeding season. Young birds present a brownish-gray coloration with a brownish mantle.

Similar to other storks, the Asian Openbill is a broad-winged soaring bird, relying on thermal air currents for sustained flight. While they typically travel in flocks, solitary individuals are not uncommon. In flight, these birds exhibit an outstretched neck, a characteristic trait of storks.

The bill of the Asian Openbill is distinct. The gap between the recurved lower mandible and the arch of the upper mandible is not present until the bird reaches adulthood. Young birds lack this gap, a later adaptation believed to aid in handling their primary prey, snails.

Remaining resident in a specific area within their range for extended periods, Asian Openbill Storks make long-distance movements in response to weather conditions. Predominantly grey in color, they feature glossy black wings and a tail with a green or purple sheen. The name "Openbill" originates from the unique gap formed between the recurved and arched upper mandibles of mature birds.

The mandible's cutting edges possess a fine brush-like structure, providing a better grip on snail shells. The tail comprises 12 feathers, and the preen gland has a tuft. The mantle is black, and the bill is horn grey.

 
Asian Openbill

 

Anastomus oscitans

 
 

Lesser Adjutant

The Lesser Adjutant is a scavenger characterized by its naked pink skin on the head and neck. During the Victorian era, the Greater Adjutant was referred to as the gigantic Crane and later as the Asiatic Marabou. In contrast, the Lesser Adjutant is more commonly associated with wetland habitats and is often observed as a solitary scavenger.

This bird is widely distributed, ranging from Cambodia and India to Southeast Asia and Java, with the largest populations concentrated in these regions. Despite its large size, exactly how big is the Lesser Adjutant? The wing chord measures approximately 60 cm in length. Similar to other birds in its genus, the Lesser Adjutant retracts its neck during flight, creating an appearance resembling the pouch of the Greater Adjutant.

Both male and female Lesser Adjutants exhibit similar plumage, although males generally have a larger and heavier build. This species is notable for its presence in diverse wetland environments, where it fulfills its role as a solitary scavenger.

 
Lesser Adjutant

 

Leptoptilos javanicus
     
 

32  SULIFORMES

 32  Anhingidae

Oriental Darter

Darters belong to the family of Anhingas. Unlike other birds, they have only one name - Darter. They have long necks and thus commonly know as "snakebird". World wide there are 3 species and spread throughout the whole world. hence in the east, we add on a name and call ours Oriental Darter. The bird spent long time under water to get its victim or food. Likewise when the chicks are hatch and taking some time to get their feathers, in time of trouble, the chicks too dive under water to escape from danger.

Oriental Darter

 

Anhinga melanogaster
     

33 SULIFORMES

33 Phalacrocoracidae

     
Little Cormorant

 

 Microcarbo niger
     
Great Cormorant

 

 Phalacrocorax carbo
     

Malaysian Birds

Ibis

Ibises, belonging to the family Threskiornithidae, are a group of long-legged
wading birds that inhabit diverse environments such as wetlands, forests, and
plains. The name is derived from the Greek word ";Imis"  Another
interpretation connects the name to the scientific term for the Cattle Egret,
known as Bubulcus ibis.


Resembling herons and storks, ibises share many habitats and behavioral traits
with these birds. Physically distinct from herons, ibises are robust fliers,
often seen with outstretched necks in V-formation during flight, which involves
a combination of flaps and glides. Worldwide, there are a total of 56 ibis
species, with seven of them found in Southeast Asia.


Characterized by long, down curved bills, ibises typically feed in groups,
probing mud for crustaceans and other food items. They exhibit monogamous and
highly territorial behavior during nesting and feeding. In their natural
habitats, ibises nest in trees, sometimes alongside spoonbills or herons. The
breeding colonies are extensive, with the birds constructing compact stick nests
low in bushes or trees and laying three to five eggs, usually dull white or
mottled with brown.


Found wading in shallow lagoons, lakes, bays, and marshes, ibises use their
bills to feed on small fish and soft mollusks. Their length ranges from
approximately 22 to 30 inches (55 to 75 centimeters). Notable species include
the glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) and the closely related white-faced ibis
(P. chihi), both displaying dark reddish-brown and glossy purplish plumage.
These birds are commonly found together in warmer regions across the globe.
In North America, ibises are occasionally referred to as curlews due to the
resemblance of their curved bills to true curlews.
 

 

PELECANIFORMES

36 Threskiornithidae

Ibis

     
1. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 
     
2. Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus 
     
3. White-shouldered Ibis Pseudibis davisoni 
     
4. Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash

 
     
5. Black-faced Spoonbill Platalea minor

 
     

 

I have shown pictures of the birds, no apologies on picture quality as I am an "accidental" bird photographer, getting bird pictures for record. And though, I spent a considerable amount of time chasing after their pictures. Sometimes good pictures too, like those taken in my garden. Otherwise, most pictures turn out, the best, as passable.

PELECANIFORMES

34  Pelecanidae

     
Great White Pelican

 

 Pelecanus onocrotalus
     
Spot-billed Pelican

 

 Pelecanus philippensis
     

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With Will would Wander