Resource Partitioning in Three Sympatric Species of Storks in Keoladeo National Park, India

A study on resource partitioning among three sympatric stork species—Black-necked Stork, Painted Stork, and Asian Openbill—in Keoladeo National Park, India, revealed that their feeding success is significantly influenced by water depth and habitat use. The Black-necked Stork, a solitary generalist forager, relies on tactile and visual methods with a diet rich in fish, while the Painted Stork and Asian Openbill forage in groups, specializing in fish and snails (Pila spp.), respectively. Differences in prey composition were attributed to variations in feeding behavior and water levels at foraging sites. The study found that peck rate, steps, and success rate varied significantly among the species, with water level playing a crucial role in feeding success. These findings highlight the importance of fine-scale habitat management for the conservation of stork species.

Ishtiaq, F., Javed, S., Coulter, M. C., & Rahmani, A. R. (2010). Resource Partitioning in Three Sympatric Species of Storks in Keoladeo National Park, India. Waterbirds, 33(1), 41–49. https://doi.org/10.1675/063.033.0105