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open-billed stork

bird
Also known as: Anastomus, openbill, shell stork

Quick Summary

The open-billed stork, belonging to the family Ciconiidae, is a type of stork characterized by a unique bill structure. The upper and lower parts of its bill touch only at the base and tip, leaving a gap in between. This distinctive feature is likely an adaptation for eating water snails, as it aids in holding them. Open-billed storks are found in tropical Africa and southern Asia. Storks, in general, are large, long-legged, and long-necked birds that are related to herons, flamingos, and ibises. They are known for their bill-clattering when excited and fly with their necks outstretched.123

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