Painted Storks become permanent residents at Nandur Madhmeshwar Sanctuary

Improved habitat conditions have encouraged the storks to stay back, unlike most migratory species that leave after winter. Pics/Rahul Vadghule

In a major boost to wildlife conservation, the Painted Stork - once a seasonal visitor to Nandur Madhmeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, a Ramsar site in Nashik - has now become a permanent resident. From just two nests in 2016, the sanctuary today supports a thriving colony of 80 nests, marking a sharp rise in breeding success.

Nature guides, forest officials and regular visitors told mid-day that the birds had earlier stopped over briefly in search of food. Over the past decade, improved habitat conditions have encouraged them to stay back year-round, unlike most migratory species that leave after winter. Chicks hatched within the sanctuary are now maturing and nesting nearby, creating a self-sustaining population.

Official Speak

Hiralal Chaudhari, Range forest officer
‘The jump from two nests in 2016 to 80 in 2026 shows that with the right habitat, sensitive species return and settle. Painted Storks are now part of Nandur Madhmeshwar's natural heritage.'

Yogesh Patel, Naturalist and wildlife photographer
‘The species is a seasonal mover that stays where conditions are favourable. ‘ Growing colonies reflect steady food availability, low disturbance and their tendency to nest communally, where a few nests expand into large populations over time.'

Naturalist and Wildlife Photographer Mahesh Yadav

'In the past, birds migrated because food sources dried up or became scarce during certain seasons. However,Nandur madhmeshwar is a highly productive wetland.The backwaters provide a steady supply of fish, crustaceans, and frogs year round. If a bird finds a permanent buffet, it sees no reason to waste energy on a long, dangerous flight back to another location.Ideal Nesting Habitats Painted Storks need specific trees (like Acacia or Prosopis) that stand in or near water to protect their nests from land predators.The sanctuary offers stable nesting sites that remain safe throughout the year.Once a colony successfully raises chicks in one spot, they tend to return to or simply stay at that same spot because it is proven to be safe.'

Species facts

>> The Painted Stork is renowned for its disciplined lifestyle and striking appearance
>> Stands 93-102 cm tall with a broad wingspan, making it a striking wetland bird
>> Adults display signature rose-pink tertial feathers, brighter during the breeding season
>> Long yellow beak with sensitive nerve endings helps detect fish in murky water
>> Needs nearly 1-2 kg of fish daily to raise a single chick
>> Males collect twigs while females build nests, often on thorny Babul trees
>> Typically monogamous, with both parents sharing incubation of 3-5 eggs

80
No of Painted Stork nests at Nandur Madhmeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary