It was resting on its hocks and got up as we approached. This male made a fine sight in its habitat. These storks are fiercely territorial and live in pairs. The female has a yellow iris and the male has a black one. growing to a height of 5
ft and with their sword like bill, they are not be trifled with. Apparently the Mir Shikaris (old tribal Bihari bird hunters) had a ritual of passage for their bridegrooms. They had to catch a Loh Sarang (black necked stork) alive before they could marry. The practice was stopped after 1920 when a youth was killed in such an encounter.
Shot with the Nikon D 90, Nikkor 70-300mm VR, at 300mm, ISO 200, 1/800 - F/6.3
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