Mysterious flocks of large birds occasionally appear in and around XTBG since April. What are they? Many people were wondering about their names and attracted by them. They ornament the Flower Garden more beautiful and eye-catching.

They are named as Asian openbill, Anastomus oscitans (protonym, Ardea oscitans), also known by a number of other common names, including the Asian/Indian/Oriental open-billed stork.

The Asian openbill storks are large wading birds characterized by large bills, the mandibles of which do not meet except at the tip. Asian openbills feed on frogs, mollusks and large aquatic insects, but the bill's unusual shape is specially adapted to feeding on large snails.

The flock of birds adds vitality to Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG). We don’t know how long they will stay here. But now they are still staying. Come and enjoy these distinctive birds at XTBG!

Asian openbill storks in the Flower Garden