Wooly-necked Stork

1. Bird Name

The bird that is the subject of our profile is commonly known as the Wooly-necked Stork. In scientific nomenclature, it is referred to as Ciconia episcopus.

2. Appearance

The Wooly-necked Stork is a striking bird. Its feathers bear a unique blend of black and white, presenting a stark contrast. The black feathers have a glossy green and purple sheen, mostly found on the wings and tail, while the white ones decorate the neck, underparts and a band across its tail. Aptly named, the bird’s neck has a wooly appearance due to the frayed and fluffy nature of the feathers. Its beak is long and pointed, mostly black with a yellowish tip. The bird’s eyes are characteristically large, round and silvery-grey in color. Both males and females share similar appearances; they are monomorphic species.

3. Size

Averaging a height of 85 cm (33.5 inches), the Wooly-necked Stork is an imposing figure in the bird world. Its wingspan ranges between 150-180 cm (approximately 59-71 inches), and the bird typically weighs between two and 2.5 kilograms.

4. Habitat & Distribution

The species is found in various parts of the world, with populations in sub-Saharan Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and certain parts of Australia. They prefer environments close to freshwater bodies, such as wetlands, marshes, riverbanks, and even paddy fields. The species tends to avoid heavily built-up areas.

5. Interesting Facts

An exciting aspect of Wooly-necked Storks is their adaptability. They’ve been known to catch fish in both flight and while wading in shallow water. They are also known for their nomadic behavior, often moving seasonally in response to rainfall and food availability. Culturally, these birds hold significance in certain parts of India, where their arrival is welcomed as a herald of the monsoon season.

6. Diet

Their diet primarily includes fish, but they are opportunistic feeders and also consume a variety of small rodents, amphibians, insects, and reptiles.

7. Behavior & Sounds

These birds are typically solitary or found in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Unique to this stork is its silent nature; it is mostly voiceless except for bill-clapping sounds during courting rituals.

8. Conservation Status

The Wooly-necked Stork is currently classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List, but its populations are decreasing, mainly due to habitat loss, human disturbance, and pollution.

9. Lifespan

In the wild, their lifespan extends up to a respectable 20-30 years, with some reports of individuals living up to 35 years. Studies on their lifespan in captivity are limited.

10. Additional Notes

Locally, the bird is known as the “Bishop Stork” in South Africa and as “कुक्कुट्टभरभूत” in Marathi. Its role in ecosystem is understudied, but like most predators they likely play a role in balancing populations of prey species. Despite their decreasing numbers, they are seen as favorable by local agricultural populations due to their role in controlling pests in rice fields.