Storm’s Stork

This individual Storm’s Stork Ciconia stormi is one of about 500 in the world population of this endangered species.  This number is spread out over southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo.  The last stronghold for Sabah is the floodplains of the lower Kinabatangan river and the surrounding lowland forest including the Tabin Wildlife Reserve where this photo was taken.  Continued reduction of such habitat has contributed to the decreasing trend in its population.  The bird is generally solitary but likes to form small groups to soar in the late morning thermals.