Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Ciconia nigra
Family: Storks · Status: Vagrant · Size: 95–100 cm · Conservation: Least Concern
Breeds across the Palearctic from Europe to eastern Russia, with smaller, isolated breeding groups in sub-Saharan and southern Africa. Winters in sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and from northern Indochina east to eastern China and the Korean Peninsula.
Adult all black with white underparts, bright red bill, eye patch, and legs. Juvenile like adult but with duller bare parts. Distinguished from Asian Openbill, Milky Stork, and Painted Stork by glossy black neck and straight red or orange bill. From Storm's Stork (that occurs in the region but has not been recorded in Singapore) by black neck and white belly instead of white neck and black belly.
Freshwater marshes, streams, and flooded fields near wooded areas.