Insights into the population status, distribution, feeding ecology and breeding biology of painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala) in India: a comprehensive review
Rekha Bhawnani1* , Anil kumar sharma2 , Anil Kumar Tripathi3 , and Narayan Lal Choudhary4
1*Department of Zoology, Ch. Chhotu Ram (P.G.) College, Muzaffarnagar - 251001 (India) 2Department of Zoology, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Government PG College, Nimbahera - 312601 (India) 3Department of Zoology, Manikya Lal Verma Govt College, Bhilwara - 311001 (India) 4Department of Zoology, Adarsh Mahavidhyalaya (Affiliated to Jai Narain Vyas University) Jodhpur - 342008 (India) Email id : rekhabhawnani90@hotmail.com , anilkumarsharma031995@gmail.com, narayanlalchoudhary1995@gmail.com Corresponding author- Rekha Bhawnani
ABSTRACT
Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) is a striking wader species found in freshwater wetland habitats across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Recognizable by its mix of pink, white and black plumage, yellow facial patches, and long, downward-curved bill, the Painted Stork inhabits marshes, ponds, and lakes in regions such as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand and Myanmar. While the species’ population varies regionally, it faces threats from habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbances. Primarily piscivorous, the Painted Stork feeds on fish by probing shallow waters with its specialized bill, though it also consumes crustaceans, amphibians, and small reptiles. These opportunistic feeding habits help the storks adapt to seasonal changes in food availability. During breeding, Painted Storks form large colonies, nesting in trees near water. Both males and females collaboratively build nests made of twigs, lined with leaves and grass. As a species dependent on healthy wetland ecosystems for food and reproduction, the Painted Stork’s survival is closely linked to the preservation of these habitats. Effective conservation efforts are critical to safeguard the species, particularly as anthropogenic pressures continue to threaten their natural environments.