Open Bill Stork or Asian Openbill

Anastomus oscitans 68cm

Nathaikuthi Naarai in Tamil (நத்தைகுத்தி நாரை)

Widespread resident in plains. Stout, dull coloured open bill. Largely white (breeding) or greyish white (non-breeding), with black flight feathers and tail. legs usually dull pink, brighter in breeding condition. Juvenile has brownish-grey head, neck and breast, and brownish mantle and scapulars slightly paler than the b;ackish flight feathers. Mainly inland wetlands.