Leptoptilos javanicus
Size: 87 – 93cm
Weight: 4 – 5.7kg
Found: It is a widespread species found from India through Southeast Asia to Java. They are often found in large rivers and lakes inside well wooded regions, in freshwater wetlands in agricultural areas, and coastal wetlands including mudflats and mangroves.
Description: A large stork with an upright stance, a bare head and neck without a pendant pouch. The only confusable species is the greater adjutant, but this species is generally smaller and has a straight upper bill edge with a paler base and appears slightly trimmer and less hunch-backed. The skullcap is paler and the upper plumage is uniformly dark, appearing almost all black. The nearly naked head and neck have a few scattered hair-like feathers. The upper shank or tibia is grey rather than pink. The belly and undertail are white. Juveniles are a duller version of the adult but have more feathers on the nape. During the breeding season, the face is reddish and the neck is orange.
Diet: Mainly on fish, frogs, reptiles, large invertebrates, rodents, small mammals and rarely carrion.
Comment: They are largely silent but have been noted to clatter their bill, hiss and moan at the nest. During one of the threat displays called the “Arching display” that is given in the presence of intruders, adults extend their neck and sometimes give a hoarse wail.
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