African Openbill vs Asian Openbill
Anastomus lamelligerus compared with Anastomus oscitans
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Openbill | Asian Openbill |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anastomus lamelligerus | Anastomus oscitans |
| Order | Ciconiiformes | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae | Ciconiidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 78.8 cm (31.0 in) | 79.4 cm (31.3 in) |
| Weight | 1014.0 g (35.77 oz) | 1590.0 g (56.09 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 3-5 | 2-5 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Conservation Status
Least Concern
African Openbill
Least Concern
Asian Openbill
About These Birds
African Openbill
72–90 cm. All-black plumage with gloss; distinctive large bill with a gap between mandibles adapted for extracting apple snails. Resident across sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar in wetlands, rivers, and rice paddies. Feeds almost exclusively on molluscs. Colonial breeder in trees near water.
Asian Openbill
68–81 cm. White plumage with black flight feathers; same gaping bill as African Openbill. Resident across South and Southeast Asia in wetlands, paddy fields, and river floodplains. Feeds primarily on apple snails; colonial nester in trees. Often seen in large flocks near agricultural land.