Asian Openbill Stork

Description:

Stork with conspicuous gap in its bill, allowing it to crack shells of freshwater snails.Adult has white plumage in breeding season. Pale grey for rest of the year. Scapulars, flight feathers and tail are black. Sexes similar.

Habitat:

The still empty areas of the rapidly developing Rajarhaat area where Kolkata city is expanding. Waterbodies nearby and lots of apple snail shells too. We were driving away when we spotted this group; they allowed us to approach quite close then rose into the air and circled. It was quite a sight.

Notes:

Called Shamuk-khol in Bangla. Shamuk is generic for snails.