Common Name: Black-necked Stork

Distribution: Northern and eastern Australia, widespread throughout monsoonal areas but less common in the south of its range.

Ecological Notes: Usually observed in the vicinity of freshwater, less common in coastal estuarine areas, and occasionally grassland or woodland. Occasionally individuals will stray into open grass, woodland areas or flooded paddocks in search of food. Preys on fish, small crustaceans and amphibians. 

Additional Notes: Prey is generally captured by the bird jabbing and seizing it with its large bill; occasionally food is caught by lunging forward with a large stride or by leaping into the air. The nest is a large untidy structure high in a tree that is usually standing in or near water.

References: eBird Australia at https://ebird.org/australia/species/blnsto1 Accessed 14 August 2023.
Birds in Backyards at https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Ephippiorhynchus-asiaticus Accessed 24 July 2023.