Storks are amazing birds that are full of surprises. Movies like ‘Dumbo’ and ‘Storks’ have brought them worldwide fame, but the real things are quite cool too! The Mycteria leucocephala (Pennant, 1769) is one such stork that is beautiful and popular in Southeast Asia (India). A variety of nicknames has been given to the bird based on its appearance including the red head painted stork, the painted African stork, eru kala konga in Telugu, sona jhanga in Bengal, and jhangil doktch in Hindi.Do you know why they are called painted storks? This name was actually given due to their pink feathers! These waterbirds eat an ample amount of carotenoid-filled food, like fish. An orangish red pigment found in this food (beta carotenoid) results in the bright pink feathers of these birds.Does this interest you? Keep reading to know more about the painted stork. After reading these facts about storks, do check out our other articles on the reddish egret and the Australian pelican too.
Fun Painted Stork Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Small fish, insects, frogs, snakes, crustaceans
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 3
How much do they weigh? 4.4-7.7 lb (2-3.5 kg)
How long are they? Wingspan: 59-63 in (150-160 cm)
How tall are they? 37-40 in (93-102 cm)
What do they look like? White and black
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Hyenas, Eagles, Tigers
What is their conservation status? Near Threatened
Where you’ll find them? Deserts, Forests, Wetlands, Higher Hill Regions
Locations India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Mycteria
Class Aves
Family Ciconiidae
Painted Stork Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is a painted stork?The painted stork is a type of bird belonging to the Ciconiidae family, genus Mycteria, and class Aves.What class of animal does a painted stork belong to?The painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala) belongs to the class Aves of the Animalia kingdom.How many painted storks are there in the world?The IUCN Red List estimates the overall painted stork population to be between 25000-35000, comprising 16,000-24000 adults. This consists of 25,000 individuals from South Asia and 10,000 from Southeast Asia.Where does a painted stork live?A painted stork range map shows that these birds mainly dwell in colonies in the plains of Asia and they are spread across a wide range, from the south Himalayan ranges to Sri Lanka. Their population extends to Indo-China and towards the west, where it is restricted by the Indus river system. A sparse distribution of the species in Southeast Asia is observed. These birds are not comfortable in arid deserts and montane forests, so it is exceedingly unusual to discover them in such regions.What is a painted stork’s habitat?Though painted storks are spotted in various environments their most preferred habitat is found in freshwater wetlands. On bright days, they can even be found wandering in agricultural fields. This species adores rainy seasons. You can often catch a glimpse of the bird in grain fields right after heavy downpours.Who do painted storks live with?This species of the family Ciconiidae is known to enjoy both its own company and that of others. These storks have seen nesting in large colonies with other members, but they do occasionally mingle with certain water birds too. During the breeding season, they stick to their family groups though. When these birds forage in shallow waters, they are spotted gathering in small flocks of 10-12 birds. Outside of this, they may be spotted alone.How long does a painted stork live?The oldest painted stork bird lived for 28 years. In captivity, these birds have a life expectancy of 20-26 years. There have been isolated reports of them living for prolonged periods of time in the wild.How do they reproduce?The painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala) has a breeding season between August and October in northern India, while in southern India it begins in November and lasts until March. This species uses nesting colonies. Their nests are found mainly in trees of forests with well-surrounded wetlands. These birds spawn once every year in a nest made of twigs and vegetation, predominantly from eucalyptus trees. Their nest is found mainly in the trees of forests with well surrounded shallow wetlands. Their litter size can range from two to five eggs, with three eggs being the average. When a female starts breeding earlier, she may deposit eggs twice in one breeding season. The incubation period is at most 30 days long. When it comes to brooding and rearing offspring, both male and female painted storks take turns and forage, splitting the duties. Once the 60-day long brooding period comes to an end, the chicks flee. Chicks are nourished with regurgitated fruits and fish during this time. This red-headed painted stork is considered mature after living for four summers.What is their conservation status? The painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala) is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List.Painted Stork Fun FactsWhat do painted storks look like?This stork is humongous, growing up to 40 in (104 cm) in size. Apart from the black and white scaling on the wings and bust areas, adults have a completely white body with long reddish-yellow legs to carry them. This species has a yellow face and a heavy yellow bill, similar to that of the ibis, that is slightly bent at the edge. The tip of the flight feathers borne at the end has a bright pink finish which stands out amidst other waterbirds. Their tail feathers include a glossy green and black glaze. This is the only stork in the Mycteria genus with a black breast band and its breeding plumage is way brighter than its non-breeding plumage. The head crown is mainly orange for adults. Chicks have a snowy body, a pale head, and a somewhat gray face accompanied by a bill that is similar in color. The male bird is slightly taller and heavier than the female bird.How cute are they?Painted stork wings are a work of art, predominantly the pink feathers are captivating! This stork species has a habit of flying with its head and neck held out and bent down to the level of the lower abdomen, which is quite cool.How do they communicate?They communicate using sounds made by the bill, and this is typically known as bill clattering. The frequencies of these sounds depend on the nature of communication. Adults are unable to produce any strong vocal notes while young birds can produce sharp cries. Faint moans among adults are either used as search calls or as calls indicating danger. Their main call is a barely audile monotonous hiss.How big is a painted stork?These birds are 37-40 in (93-102 cm) tall and have a 59-63 in (150-160 cm) wingspan. It is two to three times bigger than the red kite.How fast can a painted stork fly?The flight speed of this species is unknown. However, soaring flight is pretty straightforward for them as they have a large body and wingspan. They are said to have constant wingbeats that are slow and steady during flapping flights.How much does a painted stork weigh?This stork weighs between 4.4-7.7 lb (2-3.5 kg).What are their male and female names of the species?The painted stork is monomorphic (exists in one form). Males and females do not possess distinct names, so they are simply called a male bird and a female bird.What would you call a baby painted stork?A baby painted stork can be called a painted stork juvenile. Since there is no such name peculiar to the baby painted storks you are free to name them as you like.What do they eat?The chief component of the average painted stork diet is fish, which is caught underwater by the swaying movement of its half-open bill. They also prey on amphibians like frogs and snakes. Painted stork chicks are prey for eagles, particularly Aquila eagles and Pallas’s fish eagle. Other animals, like hyenas and cheetahs, feed on adults of this species.Are they dangerous?They are aggressive with fellow birds, but their behavior with humans has not been studied yet.Would they make a good pet?By no means do these storks make good pets. Since they eat a lot you would have to spend a fortune on its food and, although their call sounds are mild, they may be irritating. In many places owning storks as pets is illegal.Did you know…The nesting colonies of these storks are an important part of the tourism industry in many countries.The percentage of nest failure of these birds during rainy seasons is high. This is why their breeding season begins right after the monsoons. Also, they are quite fussy when it comes to picking materials for their nest. According to studies, this bird spends a good 8-10 minutes on trees selecting twigs that are considered most suitable for its nest.Seeing a painted stork flying is considered auspicious in Asian folklore. There is no evidence supporting this though.While they search for food in shallow waters, this species uses its half-open bill to detect fish movements and splashes the water with its feet to flush hiding fish to the surface.Are painted storks endangered?As per the IUCN, the painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala) is classified as Near Threatened. This species is not endangered as of now but it might be in a few years unless human hunting, trade, and habitat loss are curbed. To help these storks, conservation campaigners have started spreading awareness.Are painted storks migratory birds?This species is non-migratory and only makes short trips. Inland migration is observed, with some birds moving to west Burma and the Chitika Lake in winter.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds including ovenbird facts and common blackbird facts pages.You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our free printable stork coloring pages.
What type of animal is a painted stork?
The painted stork is a type of bird belonging to the Ciconiidae family, genus Mycteria, and class Aves.
Fun Painted Stork Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Small fish, insects, frogs, snakes, crustaceans
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 3
How much do they weigh? 4.4-7.7 lb (2-3.5 kg)
How long are they? Wingspan: 59-63 in (150-160 cm)
How tall are they? 37-40 in (93-102 cm)
What do they look like? White and black
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Hyenas, Eagles, Tigers
What is their conservation status? Near Threatened
Where you’ll find them? Deserts, Forests, Wetlands, Higher Hill Regions
Locations India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Mycteria
Class Aves
Family Ciconiidae
Fun Painted Stork Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Small fish, insects, frogs, snakes, crustaceans
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 3
How much do they weigh? 4.4-7.7 lb (2-3.5 kg)
How long are they? Wingspan: 59-63 in (150-160 cm)
How tall are they? 37-40 in (93-102 cm)
What do they look like? White and black
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Hyenas, Eagles, Tigers
What is their conservation status? Near Threatened
Where you’ll find them? Deserts, Forests, Wetlands, Higher Hill Regions
Locations India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Mycteria
Class Aves
Family Ciconiidae
Fun Painted Stork Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Small fish, insects, frogs, snakes, crustaceans
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 3
How much do they weigh? 4.4-7.7 lb (2-3.5 kg)
How long are they? Wingspan: 59-63 in (150-160 cm)
How tall are they? 37-40 in (93-102 cm)
What do they look like? White and black
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Hyenas, Eagles, Tigers
What is their conservation status? Near Threatened
Where you’ll find them? Deserts, Forests, Wetlands, Higher Hill Regions
Locations India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Mycteria
Class Aves
Family Ciconiidae
Fun Painted Stork Facts For Kids
What do they prey on? Small fish, insects, frogs, snakes, crustaceans
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 3
How much do they weigh? 4.4-7.7 lb (2-3.5 kg)
How long are they? Wingspan: 59-63 in (150-160 cm)
How tall are they? 37-40 in (93-102 cm)
What do they look like? White and black
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Hyenas, Eagles, Tigers
What is their conservation status? Near Threatened
Where you’ll find them? Deserts, Forests, Wetlands, Higher Hill Regions
Locations India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Mycteria
Class Aves
Family Ciconiidae
What do they prey on? Small fish, insects, frogs, snakes, crustaceans
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 3
How much do they weigh? 4.4-7.7 lb (2-3.5 kg)
How long are they? Wingspan: 59-63 in (150-160 cm)
How tall are they? 37-40 in (93-102 cm)
What do they look like? White and black
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Hyenas, Eagles, Tigers
What is their conservation status? Near Threatened
Where you’ll find them? Deserts, Forests, Wetlands, Higher Hill Regions
Locations India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Mycteria
Class Aves
Family Ciconiidae
What do they prey on? Small fish, insects, frogs, snakes, crustaceans
What do they eat? Carnivore
Average litter size? 3
How much do they weigh? 4.4-7.7 lb (2-3.5 kg)
How long are they? Wingspan: 59-63 in (150-160 cm)
How tall are they? 37-40 in (93-102 cm)
What do they look like? White and black
Skin Type Feathers
What were their main threats? Humans, Hyenas, Eagles, Tigers
What is their conservation status? Near Threatened
What do they prey on?
Small fish, insects, frogs, snakes, crustaceans
What do they eat?
Carnivore
Average litter size?
3
How much do they weigh?
4.4-7.7 lb (2-3.5 kg)
How long are they?
Wingspan: 59-63 in (150-160 cm)
How tall are they?
37-40 in (93-102 cm)
What do they look like?
White and black
Skin Type
Feathers
What were their main threats?
Humans, Hyenas, Eagles, Tigers
What is their conservation status?
Near Threatened
Where you’ll find them? Deserts, Forests, Wetlands, Higher Hill Regions
Locations India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Mycteria
Class Aves
Family Ciconiidae
Where you’ll find them?
Deserts, Forests, Wetlands, Higher Hill Regions
Locations
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Vietnam
Kingdom Animalia
Genus Mycteria
Kingdom
Animalia
Genus
Mycteria
Class Aves
Family Ciconiidae
