The Asian woolly-necked stork or Asian woollyneck is a species of large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. It breeds singly, or in small loose colonies. It is distributed in a wide variety of habitats including marshes in forests, agricultural areas, and freshwater wetlands across Asia.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found across the Indian Subcontinent through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and parts of Indonesia. It occupies a wide range of freshwater habitats, including marshes, oxbow lakes, irrigation canals, rice paddies, and forest pools. The species also uses open woodland and agricultural mosaics, provided tall nest trees and nearby wetlands are present. It shows considerable tolerance of human presence where disturbance is low and food is available.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Asian woolly-necked stork is notable for its fluffy white neck contrasting with a glossy dark body and for its adaptability to human-dominated landscapes. It often nests on tall trees near villages, farms, and temples, sometimes reusing the same nest for years. Pairs typically breed singly or in loose colonies and perform bill-clattering displays at the nest. Despite tolerating agriculture, it is sensitive to wetland loss and contaminants.
Woolly-necked stork-GOA
In the fields near Hodal in Faridabad District of Haryana, India
Flying in Maharashtra, India
Temperament
solitary to loosely gregarious
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with steady wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone or in small groups and breeds singly or in small loose colonies. Nests are large stick platforms placed high in tall trees near water or settlements. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season, and both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet; vocalizations are soft grunts and hisses near the nest. Most display communication is through rapid bill-clattering, especially during courtship and at the nest.
