10/04/2026
This Time, a Rajshahi Special!
I never imagined I would get to see it from such close proximity. Two years ago, I caught a glimpse of it flying high above the Khalifa’s Char in Chapainawabganj, but my heart wasn’t satisfied. Last year, hearing it had been spotted at a char in Munshiganj, I rushed there alone without a second thought, only to return with a heavy heart after failing to find it.
Last Friday, on a whim, I planned a day trip to the chars of Rajshahi for birdwatching. My secret hope was to spot a Skimmer, but instead, I encountered the rare Woolly-necked Stork, and that too from very close range! I took photos to my heart's content and thanked the Almighty. All the struggles of the past few years finally felt worth it.
Woolly-necked Stork (Bengali: ধলাগলা মানিকজোড়)
The Woolly-necked Stork is a medium-sized, magnificent wading bird. It gets its name from the white, woolly feathers on its neck. Below are the details of this bird:
1. Physical Appearance and Features
Size: They are typically 75-92 cm in length.
Plumage: Most of the body is a glossy black, which reflects shades of green, blue, or purple in the sunlight. However, the neck and throat are covered in thick, white, woolly feathers.
Head and Bill: The crown is dark (black cap). The bill is long, sturdy, and blackish, sometimes showing a reddish tint at the base.
Legs: They have long, reddish legs.
Dimorphism: Males and females are almost identical in appearance.
2. Habitat and Distribution
Habitat: They primarily inhabit wetlands, rivers, marshes, floodplains, and agricultural lands. Interestingly, they are found not just in forests but also near human settlements, searching for food in paddy fields or irrigation canals.
Geographical Range: Found across South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka), Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa.
3. Diet
They are primarily carnivorous and opportunistic hunters. Their diet includes:
Fish, frogs, and small reptiles (like snakes or lizards).
Large insects, especially grasshoppers or beetles.
Occasionally small mammals.
4. Breeding and Life Cycle
Nesting: They build large nests using twigs on tall trees. Recently, there have been reports of them nesting on mobile towers in Bangladesh.
Eggs: Usually, they lay 2 to 4 white eggs.
Parental Care: Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and raising the chicks.
5. Current Status and Conservation
Status in Bangladesh: At one point, it was thought to be extinct in Bangladesh. However, after nearly 100 years, they have recently reappeared in Rajshahi and are breeding successfully—great news for the country's biodiversity.
Conservation Status: Internationally, it is listed as "Near Threatened," although their numbers are increasing in India. In Bangladesh, this bird is protected under the Wildlife Act.
A Fun Fact: Its scientific name is Ciconia episcopus. The word 'episcopus' comes from Latin, meaning 'Bishop.' It is believed they were named so because their white neck and black body resemble the traditional vestments of a Bishop.
