Foraging technique and prey-handling time in black-necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus)

The foraging technique and prey-handling time of the black-necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) was studied in Dudhwa National Park, India, from January 1996 to June 1997. The habitat in which the storks foraged played an important role in selecting a particular technique to procure food. Black-necked storks mostly foraged using a tactile technique (>90%), but sometimes foraged visually. When the water level was estimated to be less than 60 cm, the storks foraged using tactile techniques. There was no difference in the feeding techniques of male and female storks. Foraging attempt rates varied between the sexes in summer (May) and during late winter (February) in 1997. The search time for prey increased when the water level was high and fish were widely distributed. Decreases in water level resulted in concentration of fish in certain areas and this contributed to high fish-catching rates by black-necked storks. Males had a higher success rate of fish capture than females. However, females captured longer fish than males. Prey-handling time increased in both sexes as fish length increased. Fish 4–6 cm long were most frequently taken by the foraging storks.