The black-necked stork is a huge wading bird with a spectacular and distinctive plumage. Easily recognised by its striking black-and-white markings, this bird possesses a jet-black head, wing bar and tail, which contrast against the white plumage of the rest of the body (3). Other characteristic features include an iridescent neck that appears green, blue or purple depending on the angle (4), a massive black bill and long, coral-red legs (2) (3). Sexes are identical except for the colour of the iris, which is yellow in the female, brown in the male (3). Juveniles are brown instead of black-and-white, and sub-adults resemble adults, but the white plumage is duskier and the legs are black (2) (3) (4).