The Woolly-necked Stork, Bishop Stork or White-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus) is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. It can also be known as the Espiscopos.
It is a widespread tropical species which breeds in in Asia, from India to Indonesia, and also in Africa. It is a resident breeder in wetlands with trees. The large stick nest is built in a forest tree, and 2-5 eggs form the typical clutch. This stork is usually silent, but indulges in mutual bill-clattering when adults meet at the nest. The Woolly-necked Stork is a broad winged soaring bird, which relies on moving between thermals of hot air for sustained long distance flight. Like all storks, it flies with its neck outstretched.
The Woolly-necked Stork is a large bird, typically 85 cm tall. It is glistening black with black 'skull cap',white neck and white lower belly. The upper parts are glossed dark green, and the breast and belly have a purple hue.It has long red legs and heavy blackish bill.Sexes are alike. Juvenile birds are duller versions of the adult.
The Woolly-necked Stork walks slowly and steadily on the ground seeking its prey, which like that of most of its relatives, consists of amphibians, small reptiles and large insects. African birds are attracted to bush fires. The bird derives its scientific species name from the black and white vestments formerly worn by clerics. The overall population trend is decreasing, although some populations have unknown trends. The main threat to this species in South East Asia is severe habitat fragmentation. The species has also suffered population reductions as a result of habitat destruction and shooting.
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