BLACK-NECKED STORK

The black-necked stork (Xenorhynchus asiaticus asiaticus) is distinguished from the other Indian species of storks by its enormous black bill, glistening black head and neck and white lower plumage. The wings are pied with black and white markings. It is found singly along the banks of rivers and on marshes, wading in shallow water. It feeds on fishes frogs, reptiles, crabs, molluscs, etc. It builds its nest, which consists of an enormous platform of sticks, on large trees.