Rare Woolly-necked Stork Spotted in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu

Key facts

• The woolly-necked stork (Ciconia episcopus) was recently sighted in the paddy fields near Vannarapettai village in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
• The species is currently classified as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
• The sighting was documented by researchers from the Endangered Wildlife and Environmental Trust (EWET).
• While the bird is native to India and commonly found in northern states, its presence in southern India after the migration season is considered a rare event.
• The woolly-necked stork is a medium-sized wading bird that inhabits open grasslands, paddy fields, riverbanks, and other wetland areas.
• The primary diet of the species consists of fish, frogs, small reptiles, insects, and other aquatic creatures.
• During the breeding season, these birds build nests on tall trees and typically lay two to four eggs.