Patna, Feb. 24: Ornithologists and bird lovers of the state will not have to venture far to check out Indian storks. Seven out of the eight species found in the country can be spotted in different parts of the state.

Representatives of Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN) claim Bihar is one of the few states in the country where the seven species have been spotted.

The stork species found in Bihar are Asian Openbill, Black-neck, Black, Greater Adjutant, Lesser Adjutant, Painted and Woolly-neck (see chart).

The only species of Indian stork not found in the state is White.

Of these, six species also breed in the state. At present, Bihar is second only to Assam, as far as breeding of these large birds is concerned. One can spot all the resident species round the year. The Black stork can be seen only in winter.

Naveen Kumar, member, IBCN told The Telegraph: “It is great news that seven Indian stork species have been spotted in the state. Only one of these species (Black stork) is migratory.”

Explaining the habitat of the birds, Kumar said: “The storks are a small family of large birds. Their height ranges from 2.5ft to 5.5ft. Their natural habitats include wetlands or extensive grasslands. Storks can lay five to six eggs at a time. Their life expectancy is around 20 years.”

He added: “Few of the stork species found in Bihar, including Greater and Lesser Adjutants, are also listed as endangered species. Necessary steps are being taken by the authorities for their protection.”

Naveen said: “All eight species of storks found in India are protected under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Poachers can attract a fine up to Rs 50,000 or seven years imprisonment or both.”

Bird lovers claim that protection of storks in the state is important, as six of the species also breed here.

Arvind Mishra, state co-ordinator, IBCN, told The Telegraph: “Except Black storks, the rest six species breed in Bihar. This will lead to a rise in their population in the state over time.”

He added: “Most of these birds breed in the flood plains of Ganga and Kosi.”

Vultures galore

Bird lovers are also upbeat about the recent spotting of vultures, especially those from the Himalayan regions in the state. “Three Himalayan Griffon vultures were spotted in January this year at Bhagalpur, Sultanganj, Munger and Simaria. These birds are on the verge of extinc- tion. They are sighted very rarely. Thus, their presence in Bihar is good news,” said Naveen.