Asian Openbill

Anastomus oscitans

Family: Storks · Status: Rare migrant · Size: 68–81 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds across the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, and into Thailand and Indochina; dispersal occasionally brings birds south to the Thai-Malay Peninsula.

Identification

Adult has a diagnostic dull orange bill with an open space between the mandibles, and long pinkish-grey legs. Body mostly greyish-white with contrasting black flight feathers and tail. Juvenile like adult but body more brownish grey and bill lacks the open space between mandibles.

Habitat

Freshwater marshes and flooded fields.

Behaviour

Prises open apple snails by inserting the bill into the shell; feeds in loose association with herons and egrets.