Mycteria leucocephala (Pennant, 1769)

 A large Stork with decurved yellow bill with bare orange face and pinkish tertials and black barring across the breast.

A long-legged, long-necked, white stork. It has a prominent, bare red-orange face, red legs and a long, down-curved, yellow bill. It has black upperwing-coverts barred with white; pinkish tertiary feathers; and black barring across the breast. These markings are prominent when in flight, when the neck and legs are fully outstretched. It is resident but moves about locally depending on the water conditions, and has been seen in Samudram Eri after heavy monsoon rains. It is usually seen in pairs or small parties, but in the breeding season it is very gregarious and can gather in much larger numbers. It can be seen soaring on thermals, wings motionless, along with other storks and larger water birds. It feeds by wading in shallow water, probing the mud with its beak wide open. From time to time it can be seen waggling one leg back and forth, and suddenly opening the wing on the same side. These movements are intended to drive prey towards the submerged, open beak. It feeds mainly on fish, but also frogs, reptiles, crustaceans and insects. It nests in colonies, the nest being a large platform of sticks with a shallow central depression lined with straw, leaves and waterweeds.

 Nesting in colonies, along with other waterbirds. Like other stork 's nest is strong platform constructed with sturdy twigs. 

 93-100 cm

Inland lakes, reservoirs, marshes, inundated fields and riverbanks.

IUCN Redlist Status: Near Threatened