Asian Openbill Stork

The Asian Openbill or Asian Openbill Stork (Anastomus oscitans) is widespread and common in Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka and India but very rare in Malaysia and so far no record in Singapore yet. However, it was spotted first in Penang in early January, then Malacca & last week in Johor. Singapore is just few km away, will the storks continue to fly south to Singapore?

This is how they got their name - Openbill!

Openbill is smaller than Milky Storks in comparison.

The Asian Openbill feeds mainly on large molluscs (snails).

Asian Openbill is a broad-winged soaring bird and they too relies on thermals of hot air for sustained flight to move from area to area for feeding.

These photos are all taken in Thailand. The next time when you out for birding in Singapore make sure you look out for it, it might be your lucky day!

** 24 Jan update** - 1st bird landed in Sg on 22nd January!!