Black-necked Stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

The encounter with black-necked stork was probably the highlight of my birdwatching day in Townsville. Black-necked Stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, is considered an endangered species in Australia. Also commonly called as Jabiru in Australia, I think Jabiru should be reserved for Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria) in Mexico. Jabiru in Tupi-Guarani languages means “swollen neck”, the black-neck stork definitely does not have a swollen neck.

Female Black Necked Stork has yellow iris, male has dark iris

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Flying? or Dancing?

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Did I see a fish over there?

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As I was walking back towards the car, the female Black Necked Stork, flew and landed near an Australian Pelican. She Started to flap her wings and clacks her bill. The pelican was all tensed up. The Male Black Necked Stork flew over and join his partner. I told myself, if there is going to be a fight for territory or fish, I am not going to miss it! I am a wildlife paparazzi.

As the pair of Black Necked Storks stand around, the Pelican looked stress and ready for a fight.

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All three of them looked like there were ready to strike.

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As the pair of Black Necked Storks clacked their bills and flaped their wings, the Australian Pelican swam away.

*Another birdwatcher who was there, think that the pair of Black Necked Stork was doing a mating dance. To me, it looked more like the pair was hustling the pelican.

The pelican flew away, and the stork gave chase.

An interesting encounter, seeing 2 heavy weight species interecting. Not sure if there were fighting for teritory or were just messing around.

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Photography Equipments

Canon EOS 350D

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens

Townsville Town Common Reserve, Queensland.