Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) Taking Off – Gujarat, India | Bird Photography

Description

Experience the dynamic movement of the Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) taking off, captured in Gujarat, India by wildlife photographer Amarjeetsinh Jhala.

The Painted Stork is a large and distinctive Asian wading bird belonging to the Ciconiidae family. It is easily recognized by its predominantly white plumage, contrasting black markings, pinkish wing and tail feathers, long legs and heavy, slightly down-curved bill.

This photograph captures the Painted Stork during take-off, highlighting its impressive wingspan and powerful movement as it leaves the water or ground. Images showing birds in flight and taking off are particularly useful for bird identification, wildlife education, nature publications and photographic collections.

Painted Storks are closely associated with freshwater wetlands and shallow water habitats. They are often found around lakes, marshes, ponds, reservoirs, flooded fields and other wetland environments. Their diet consists primarily of fish, although they can also consume aquatic invertebrates, insects, amphibians and other small prey.

The species typically forages in shallow water, using its partially open bill to detect prey by touch. Painted Storks may forage in groups and are also known for their colonial nesting behaviour.

According to the State of India’s Birds 2025, the Painted Stork is classified as Low Priority in India, with a global conservation status of Least Concern and protection under Schedule II of India’s wildlife protection framework. It is considered a resident, wetland-specialist species.

Product Details

• Common Name: Painted Stork
• Scientific Name: Mycteria leucocephala
• Family: Ciconiidae
• Bird Type: Stork / Wading Bird
• Action: Taking Off / Flight
• Location: Gujarat, India
• Status: Resident
• Habitat: Freshwater wetlands, lakes, ponds, marshes, reservoirs, shallow water and flooded fields
• Diet: Mainly fish, along with aquatic invertebrates, insects, amphibians and other small aquatic prey
• Global Conservation Status: Least Concern
• India Conservation Priority: Low Priority
• Protection in India: Schedule II
• Photographer: Amarjeetsinh Jhala

Photography Licensing

This Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) photograph is available for licensing for different applications.

Personal Use: Suitable for private collections, home décor and personal projects.

Commercial Use: Suitable for advertising, websites, digital marketing, promotional material and other commercial applications.

Printing & Publication: Suitable for books, magazines, calendars, field guides, printed publications, exhibitions and other professional publishing requirements.