Asian Openbill

1. Bird Name
The bird under profile is the Asian Openbill, scientifically referred to as Anastomus oscitans. It belongs to the Stork family.

2. Appearance
The Asian Openbill is predominantly a large wading bird with glossy blackish or slate gray plumage. The name ‘Openbill’ is derived from the characteristic gap in the bird’s beak, which is visible when it closes its beak. The beak is large, strong and distinctively edged. Its eyes are generally a brown or reddish-brown. There isn’t a prominent difference in appearance between males and females.

3. Size
In terms of size, adult Asian Openbills have an average length of 68 cm (27 in), with a wingspan of approximately 149 cm (59 in). They have a weight range of 1 to 1.3 kg (2.2 to 2.9 lbs).

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Asian Openbill is widely found across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It thrives in marshy wetlands, flooded fields, and large bodies of water like lakes and ponds. During the drying out period of wetlands, large congregations can be seen in the remaining bodies of water.

5. Interesting Facts
The beak of the Asian Openbill is designed specifically for its diet, which primarily consists of apple snails. They are known to fly large distances in search of food and water. These birds are also known for their remarkable social behavior. They often live in large colonies, and during breeding season, hundreds of nests can be found in the same tree.

6. Diet
The main diet of the Asian Openbill is Golden Apple snails and certain species of freshwater clams. They also feed on large insects, frogs, and other types of small aquatic animals. The gap in their beak perfectly accommodates the shape and size of the snails, making it easier to extract and eat the soft parts of the snails.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Breeding in the Asian Openbill is highly synchronized and connected to the availability of snails. Their nests are quite large and usually located in the tops of tall trees. They produce a hoarse and high-pitched croaking sound. Their flight pattern is strong and steady, often observed flying in V-shaped formations.

8. Conservation Status
The Asian Openbill’s conservation status is classified as “Least Concern”, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Despite this, habitat loss and hunting pose significant threats to the species.

9. Lifespan
The average lifespan of the Asian Openbill is believed to be about 20 years both in the wild and in captivity.

10. Additional Notes
Also known as Indian Openbill, the Asian Openbill is a revered bird in Indian folklore, and often depicted as a good omen. It is known as Shamuk Khol in Bengali and also has names in other local languages of India and Southeast Asia. It is quite adaptable and tends to thrive in areas where humans have altered the landscape, such as rice fields and irrigation reservoirs. The Asian Openbill plays an important role in controlling the population of snails and other small aquatic animals, thus maintaining a balance in the ecosystem.