NAKHON RATCHASIMA – The annual migration of Asian openbill storks has begun, with large numbers now being seen in rice fields in Muang district.
The arrival of the birds, known as nok pakhang, with their large size and large numbers, has brought cheer to the people of tambon Hua Thaley of Muang district. Each flock numbers 20-50 storks.
Villagers say the birds arrive every year during the dry season, attracted by the abundant supply of food as the area is close to branches of the Mun River, Thailand’s longest river. Farmers here grow second-crop rice without having to worry about the water supply.
The Asian openbill is a protected bird under Thai law. It stretches out to about 90 centimetres in length when flying and is regularly found in Central and Northeast Thailand. A wader, it feeds on shrimp, shellfish, crabs and fish.
It ranges through India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand.