Storks, Ibis & Spoonbill

Glossy Ibis

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Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans) - Has a gap between upper and lower bill even when closed. This one is in breeding plumage. Found in swamps and lagoons in the less populated areas, like National Parks. (1)

Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) - In a mixed flock with Painted Storks and Egrets. Lesser Adjutants are not a common bird in Sri Lanka and are wary of humans. They feed on small animals. The crown of the head is bare bone and the bare neck is yellow. This is the largest bird in Sri Lanka, although the Black-necked Stork is taller.

Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) - This stork cannot be mistaken for any other, with its long, pale, orange bill, darker orange and pink face, and pink tail feathers. Can be solitary or in flocks. Found in lagoons and tanks of the lowlands, mainly in the dry zone. (1)

Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus) - Black cap, whie neck and purple and black elsewhere. Lives in and near swamps and tanks of the dry zone. (1)

Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) - Living in its natural environment in Sri Lanka. Feeds on any small animal it can find - frogs, crabs, worms, grasshoppers & more. Black bill and head, with most of the other feathers white, except, for the grey overhanging tail. The red underwing is bare skin and can be seen in flight. (1,2)

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) - Winter visitor to marshes, lagoons and tank edges in the wet and dry zones. It was a breeding resident in the dry zone. The Glossy Ibis has an enormous range, which includes Southern Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and Central America. (1)

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) - The spoon-shaped bill of this white bird distinguishes it from other similar birds. Fairly common in secluded parts of the dry zone, in large tanks and swamps. They feed a little during the day and in larger flocks at night. Wade through shallow water moving the beak from side to side eating small animals such as tadpoles, insect larvae and vegetable matter as well. (1,2)

Eurasian Spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia).

Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala).

Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans) - In non-breeding grey plumage.

Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) - Feed in small groups. Partly nocturnal feeders, this flock is preening itself with the possible intention of flying to another lagoon or tank at sunset. (1)

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) - Unusual picture of two Spoonbills feeding on muddy ground near a drying up waterway. Notice the red throat and the horizontal stripes on the bill.

Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans) - In silhouette at dusk.

Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) on a bridge in Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

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Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans)

Lesser Adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus)

Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala)

Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus)

Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus)

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia).

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia).

Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala).

Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala).

Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans)

Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus)

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)

Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans)

Sri Lanka. So much more than you can see in a lifetime.

Bird References
1. Harrison J. A Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka, 2nd edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2011.
2. Henry G.M. A Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka, 3rd edn. Colombo: Oxford University Press; 1998.