The National Zoological Park has received a batch of 500 painted storks alone in August and with enormous amount of rainfall, Delhi zoo is expecting large breeding breaking previous records.

Riyaz Khan, Curator, Education, Delhi zoo said in 2015, the breeding figure was recorded “large” with 1,800 eggs. “These painted storks have started nesting in their small colonies. large numbers of birds will breed more and we are hoping they will break previous records in breeding,” Khan said.

Every year, the birds migrate to Delhi zoo from Pong dam region of Himachal Pradesh in August and they stay in small canopies in Delhi zoo and Okhla Bird Sanctuaries.

“With good rainfall this year, some of the painted storks have started nesting and breeding. Delhi’s favourable weather, rainfall and the abundance of food seem to have encouraged the early migration of these birds,” said Sameer, ornithologist and ecologist. 

Early arrival of these birds is an indication that the environment in Delhi’s forests, sanctuaries and even in zoo is supportive. “Advent of birds in Delhi-NCR is an opportunity for bird lovers/watchers, students and wildlife photographers as they can view the bird activities and get the glimpse of their habitation,” the ornithologist said.

“The birds can be viewed in their near-natural environment at the zoo where they will live and breed till early next year,” he added.

While explaining the behaviour and habitat of painted storks , the ornithologist said these are found mostly in large colonies and stay near water. The nests, made up of sticks and leaves, are built close to the edge of the water. “Till 18 months of age, the young ones can make loud calls to attract their parents. After this, they lose their speech and use other signals to communicate,” he added.