Black Necked Storks around here are rare but they do crop up every year at widely-spaced intervals. I saw this one today and wondered if it was a juvenile but none of the info I found said they had black legs, like this one. They all said pale pink to red. These ones are definitely black. As well as that, the stork is black on one side and white on the other. If I can attach two images, I'll post both the black side and the white, although the quality of the white side is very bad; sorry.
I hope someone can help in its identification. This was seen at Gladstone, NSW, which is near Kempsey and South West Rocks.
Can't answer your question, but I think the "black legs" are lighting related, perhaps shadows, the second photo shows clearly lighter legs, as does the left leg in the first photo. The colouring appears unusual all the same. Of course, I am assuming both photos are the same bird, as you have indicated.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Thank you Dale. The comment I made about the colour of the legs was because they are not red, or anywhere near red. They seem to be, like its feathering, both black and white. Yes, the photos are of the same bird but each side of feathers is a different colour. I am greatly puzzled about this and would appreciate any further comments on whether it is indeed a proper 'jabiru', as we call them.
Will try to get a better photo of its white side if I see it again.
Yes thats a juvenile Black-Necked Stork changing into its adult plumage, thats why the feather and leg colours are like that.
Thanks, Timothy. I hadn't seen any mention of juveniles having anything other than red legs, so was wondering about that. Thanks again. Robin