Scientific Name: Mycteria leucocephala
Malay Name: Upih Sawah
Chinese Name: 彩鹳
Range: Breeds in India and southeast Asia.
Taxonomy: Monotypic.
Size: 93-102 cm
Identification: Only similar species recorded locally is Milky Stork, with which this species interbreeds extensively. Differentiated from Milky by three main traits, which must all be present in combination: a distinct and complete black breast-band with white barring (Milky has a clean white breast, while hybrids may show an indistinct or weak breastband); a clear pink flush on the tertials, inner secondaries, and wing-coverts; and black-and-white spotting on the upperwing-coverts (Milky has clean white upperwing-coverts). Individuals which lack any of these features cannot be identified as pure Painted Storks.
Similar looking species: Milky Stork
Habitat: Mangroves, mudflats, and coasts.
Behaviour/Ecology: Gregarious, joining flocks with Milky Storks and hybrid Milky x Painted Storks.
Local Status: Common introduced resident
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2023)
Location: Any area of suitable habitat like Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve or Chek Jawa.
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Painted Stork)
References:
BirdLife International. (2023). Mycteria leucocephala. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T22697658A228020407.en. Accessed on 25 December 2023
Baveja, P., Tang, Q., Lee, J. G., & Rheindt, F. E. (2019). Impact of genomic leakage on the conservation of the endangered Milky Stork. Biological Conservation, 229, 59-66.
Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.
RECOMMENDED CITATION
Bird Society of Singapore. (n.d.). Painted Stork. Retrieved on December 12, 2024 from https://singaporebirds.com/species/painted-stork.