The milky stork is a stork species inhabiting predominantly mangroves in Southeast Asia. It is native to Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is currently included in the genus Mycteria, is around 91–97 cm (36–38 in) tall, with a wingspan of 43.5–50 cm (17.1–19.7 in) and a tail around 14.5–17 cm (5.7–6.7 in). Its plumage is white apart from a few feathers at the wings and tail. Since the 1980's, the global milky stork population has declined from 5,000 to 2,000 individuals due to habitat destruction, overfishing and illegal smuggling of chicks. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs along coasts and lowland wetlands of Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, Java), peninsular Malaysia, and parts of Cambodia and Vietnam, with historical records from Thailand. It favors mangrove forests, estuaries, tidal mudflats, coastal lagoons, shrimp ponds, and river mouths. Roosting and nesting typically occur in tall mangrove trees such as Rhizophora. Birds make local movements following water levels and food availability, sometimes using rice fields and aquaculture ponds.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Milky storks are specialized coastal wetland feeders that sweep their long bills through shallow water to snap up prey by touch. They nest colonially in mangroves and may form mixed rookeries with other herons and storks. Hybridization with the introduced Painted Stork in parts of Malaysia is a conservation concern. Rapid loss of mangroves, overfishing, and chick poaching have driven steep declines.
Milky stork in Borneo
A pair of milky storks in flight in Singapore
Temperament
wary yet gregarious in colonies
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with steady, powerful wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially, often in large mangrove trees near water. Pairs build stick platforms and share incubation and chick-rearing. Outside breeding, it may forage in small groups and sometimes associates with egrets and herons.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally silent away from nests. At colonies it communicates with bill-clattering, hisses, and low grunts, especially during courtship and territorial displays.
