Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) is a large, elegant wading bird that lives up to its name with a splash of color and graceful charm. Native to the wetlands and riverbanks of South and Southeast Asia, this striking bird is a favorite among birdwatchers for its vivid plumage, impressive stature, and serene presence in shallow waters.

With its long yellow-orange bill, pink-tinted wing feathers, and bold black-and-white body, the Painted Stork looks like it walked straight out of a watercolor painting. Adults are especially eye-catching during the breeding season, when their plumage becomes even more vibrant, and the skin around their head takes on a deeper flush of color.

These storks are often seen slowly wading through marshes or flooded fields, swinging their slightly open beak side to side in search of fish, frogs, and other aquatic prey. They feed with a unique technique, snapping their bills shut the instant they detect movement underwater. Despite their size, they move with quiet grace, often foraging in synchronized groups.

Painted Storks are social birds, nesting in large colonies on treetops or near water, often alongside other waterbirds. Their nests are busy, bustling places where both parents share the job of raising chicks, delivering food with care and vigilance.

Symbolizing balance, renewal, and the delicate beauty of wetland ecosystems, the Painted Stork is more than just a visual delight—it’s a graceful guardian of the waters it calls home.