Platalea leucorodia Linnaeus, 1758

A long-necked white bird, with long black legs and a distinctive large, flat black-and-yellow bill with a spoon-like tip. It has a pale yellowish-brown patch on the throat. In the breeding season it has a long crest and a yellow patch on its breast. It is a gregarious and sociable bird, often in small groups and flocks of 50 or more. It can be found on marshes, reservoirs, rivers and estuaries, but it is only occasionally seen around Tiruvannamalai (Nochimalai Eri) when water levels are high. It is most active in the mornings and evenings, when it may be seen singly or in flocks. The birds wade into shallow water with outstretched neck and bill held partly open as they rake up the bottom mud, moving the tip of the lower mandible in a semi-circular scything action. It feeds on tadpoles, frogs, molluscs, insects and vegetable matter. Its flight is rather slow and deliberate, with the neck and legs extended. It nests in a mixed heronry.

 A white bird with spatulate ending bill.

 Nesting in colonies along with other storks and egrets. Feeds on fishes, snails, frogs and other aquatic creatures.

 80-90cm

Large lakes, marshy beels, reservoirs, rivers, swamps, lagoons and creeks.

 Marshes, lakes, large rivers etc.

IUCN Redlist Status: Least Concern