Common name: Yellow-billed Stork
Scientific name: Mycteria ibis
Family: Ciconiidae

Size:
Body length: 90–105 cm
Wingspan: 150–165 cm
Weight: 2–2.5 kg

Identification:
A large white wading bird with a long yellow slightly downcurved bill adapted for feeding in shallow water. The plumage is mainly white with pinkish tones on the wings and back, contrasted by black flight feathers. The face is bare and reddish-orange, especially during breeding condition. Legs are long and pinkish to reddish.

Habitat:
Wetlands, shallow lakes, marshes, lagoons, flooded fields, and coastal wetland habitats.

Status in the UAE:
Rare visitor and occasional escape-origin individual. Most records are associated with isolated sightings in wetlands.

Diet:
Carnivorous — feeds mainly on fish, frogs, crustaceans, insects, and aquatic invertebrates.

Behavior:
Feeds by slowly walking through shallow water while sweeping its partially open bill side to side. Sensitive prey detection allows it to snap the bill shut rapidly when prey is touched. Often seen standing motionless between feeding bouts. Usually solitary or in small groups in the UAE.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)