Description
The Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans) is a distinctive wetland stork found widely across the Indian subcontinent. It is easily recognised by its pale body, contrasting dark wings and tail, long legs, and especially its characteristic bill with a noticeable gap between the mandibles. The species is also commonly known as the Openbill Stork or Open-billed Stork.
This original wildlife photograph captures an Asian Openbill in its natural environment in Gujarat, India, making it a valuable image for bird photography collections, wildlife publications, educational material, conservation projects, nature articles, calendars and editorial use.
Asian Openbills are strongly associated with wetland habitats, including shallow marshes, lakes, flooded agricultural fields and other areas where aquatic prey is available. Their specialized bill and feeding behaviour are particularly suited to feeding on snails and other molluscs, while frogs, insects, fish and other small aquatic animals can also form part of their diet.
The Asian Openbill is currently classified as Least Concern globally. The State of India’s Birds 2025 assessment lists the species as Low Priority in India, Schedule II under the Wild Life Protection Act, a resident species and a wetland specialist. The national long-term trend is increasing, while the current annual trend is considered inconclusive.
Product Details
Common Name: Asian Openbill
Alternative Names: Openbill Stork, Open-billed Stork
Scientific Name: Anastomus oscitans
Family: Ciconiidae
Type: Stork / Wading Bird
Location: Gujarat, India
Status in India: Resident
Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, shallow lakes, flooded fields, agricultural wetlands and other freshwater habitats
Diet: Mainly snails and other aquatic invertebrates, with frogs, insects, fish and other small aquatic prey also forming part of the diet
Global Conservation Status: Least Concern
Indian Conservation Priority: Low Priority
Wild Life Protection Act: Schedule II
Photographer: Amarjeetsinh Jhala
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