Malaysian Birds - Stork family

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.


	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

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