| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Least Concern
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| Approximate size(adult): | A large stork, about 93–102 cm in length with a wingspan of 150–160 cm. It has white plumage with black flight feathers, pink tertial feathers, a long yellow-orange bill, and long pink legs. Both sexes look similar.
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| Resident/ Migrate from: | Resident species across much of tropical South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Some northern populations may make local seasonal movements.
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| Migrate to: | Non-migratory, though some populations may move locally to suitable wetlands in winter.
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| Breeding season: | Breeds mainly from November to April. Nests are large stick platforms built in tall trees, often forming colonies. Clutch size is typically 3–5 eggs, incubated by both parents.
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| Breed in: | Prefers large freshwater wetlands, lakes, and rivers with tall trees suitable for nesting. Often nests alongside other stork or heron species.
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| Habitat: | Found in wetlands, flooded fields, marshes, and shallow lakes. Often seen wading in water in groups or solitary, feeding actively.
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| Diet: | Feeds mainly on fish, frogs, and aquatic insects, sometimes taking small reptiles or crustaceans. Forages by sweeping its partially opened bill in shallow water to catch prey.
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