Template:POTD/2016-07-16
The painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala) is a large wading bird in the stork family. It is found in the wetlands of the plains of tropical Asia. Its distinctive pink tertial feathers give it its name. This stork forages in flocks in shallow waters along rivers or lakes, immersing its half open beak in water and sweeping it from side to side to snap up its prey. The painted stork nests colonially in trees, often along with other waterbirds. The only sounds it produces are weak moans or bill clattering at the nest. This bird is not migratory and only makes short distance movements in some parts of its range.Photograph: JJ Harrison
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