Asian Openbills
The Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans) is a large stork occurring in South and Southeast Asia (including Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam). The species’ name originates from its characteristic gaping bill, which probably formed as an adaptation for handling their dominant prey, freshwater snails. Nevertheless, the storks also feed on fish, small snakes, amphibians, insects, and other invertebrates where possible. They are typically found in inland wetlands including mainly lakes and dams. Rivers or tidal flats at the coast are only rarely visited. I have photographed these interesting birds at different localities in Kachchh, western India, during a journey in January 2015.
in birder’s paradise
Asian Openbills
Asian Openbills
Asian Openbills
Asian Openbills
in flight
Asian Openbill and two Painted Storks
Matt Travels 