Asian Openbill

The Asian Openbill is a large bird that often soars above our farm. Its plumage is usually grey outside the breeding season and white during it, with glossy black wings and a tail that appears black or purple. Shorter-legged than most storks, it uses its broad wings to glide on rising warm air.

It prefers wetlands and thrives in our rice fields, hunting snails, fish, water snakes, crabs, frogs, and large insects. Sometimes it wades through shallow water to strike quickly at prey, while other times it circles overhead before diving down.

The species has a loud, distinctive call, and when threatened, it takes flight rapidly.