The painted stork is a large wader in the stork family. It is found in the wetlands of the plains of tropical Asia south of the Himalayas in the Indian Subcontinent and extending into Southeast Asia. Their distinctive pink tertial feathers of the adults give them their name. They forage in flocks in shallow waters along rivers or lakes. They immerse their half open beaks in water and sweep them from side to side and snap up their prey of small fish that are sensed by touch. As they wade along they also stir the water with their feet to flush hiding fish. They nest colonially in trees, often along with other waterbirds. The only sounds they produce are weak moans or bill clattering at the nest. They are not migratory and only make short-distance movements in some parts of their range in response to changes in weather or food availability or for breeding. Like other storks, they are often seen soaring on thermals.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across the Indian subcontinent south of the Himalayas, with populations extending into Sri Lanka, Nepal’s lowlands, Bangladesh, and parts of Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Favors lowland freshwater habitats such as lakes, floodplains, marshes, village tanks, irrigation canals, and rice paddies. Often gathers at drying pools and river edges where fish are concentrated. Colonies are typically near reliable wetlands and large trees suitable for nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Painted storks are large colonial waders whose adults show distinctive pink tertial plumes that give the species its name. They often nest alongside other waterbirds in trees near wetlands and are known for tactile foraging, sweeping half-open bills through shallow water to feel for fish. Generally silent, they communicate at nests with bill-clattering and low moans. In parts of India, colonies near temples and villages are locally protected, making them a familiar sight.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Highly colonial breeder, forming large mixed heronry-style colonies with ibises, cormorants, and herons. Pairs are seasonally monogamous; both sexes build the nest and share incubation and chick-rearing. Nests are bulky stick platforms placed high in trees near water.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally silent away from nests. At colonies they produce soft moans and frequent bill-clattering during displays and interactions.
