Painted Stork:
The National Zoological Park has stepped up surveillance and biosecurity measures after a fresh carcass of a migratory painted stork was found near a pond and another stork was detected sick in the water bird aviary, officials said recently
- Painted Stork is a large wading bird belonging to the stork family.
- It is easily recognized by its heavy yellow beak with a down-curved tip.
- Scientific Name: Mycteria leucocephala
- These birds are found across the plains of tropical Asia, from the Indian Subcontinent extending into Southeast Asia, south of the Himalayas
- They favor freshwater wetlands, but they also dwell in irrigation canals and agricultural fields, particularly during the monsoon when rice fields are flooded.
- They are absent from arid regions, dense forests, and higher hill areas.
- They are not migratory and only make short-distance movements in some parts of their range in response to changes in weather or food availability or for breeding.
- Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
