H2_W4_003

Date: 2006

Location: Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka

Did you know?

The Painted Stork is found in the wetlands of the Indian Subcontinent and extends into Southeast Asia. The distinctive pink tertial feathers of the adults give them their name. They forage in flocks in shallow waters along rivers or lakes. They immerse their half-open beaks in water and sweep them from side to side and snap up their prey of small fish that are sensed by touch. As they wade along they also stir the water with their feet to flush hiding fish.

About the picture

This image was taken in Ranganathittu bird sanctuary where several hundred pairs of this species come every year for breeding. This bird was relaxing on a rock after drinking water and was about to leave for its nest. I took this picture just as it took off.

Fun Fact

Kokkarebellur is a village near Mandya district in Karnataka. The village is named after the painted stork which is called "kokkare" in Kannada. This bird nests here in large numbers every year. Residents of Kokkarebellur provide security to these birds during the brief nesting season when the birds arrive in October and until they leave the village after a couple of months.