Peppergrass

Painted Storks

Mycteria leucocephala

A large wader with a slightly down-curved, sturdy bill. Bare orange-pink skin on face, Legs are a flesh colour that sometimes appears white. Wings are black and flecked with white. Feathers on rump are a bright pink. Non-breeding plumage is duller. Juveniles are a grey-brown with a faint pink flush on scapulars and no breast band. Commonly seen wading in shallow waters when feeding with bill in water. Often solitary but also seen in flocks.

Posted on February 10, 2009 at 3:27 pm in Uncategorized.