BLACK-NECKED STORK
Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
DESCRIPTION
A striking wetland bird with long red legs, a black-and-white body and a glossy dark neck that can shine green, blue and purple in the sunlight. It is Australia’s only species of stork.
WHERE IT LIVES
Wetlands, floodplains, billabongs and shallow freshwater areas across northern Australia, including Kakadu National Park.
WHAT IT EATS
Fish, frogs, crustaceans, insects and other small aquatic animals. It hunts by walking slowly through shallow water and striking quickly with its large bill.
QUICK FACTS
Often called a “Jabiru” in Australia, although it is not a true Jabiru.
Females have bright yellow eyes, while males have dark brown eyes.
Its large, powerful bill is used to catch fish, frogs and other wetland prey.
The dark neck isn't simply black — in good light the feathers can shine green and purple.
It is one of Australia’s largest wetland birds.
PETE'S PHOTO STORY
I photographed this Black-necked Stork just as it caught a good-sized fish. With egrets feeding nearby and a crocodile resting quietly in the water behind it, there was so much happening in a single scene. I love moments like this, when you capture not just one animal, but a whole wetland coming to life.