What does the Asian Openbill eat?

The Asian Openbill's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Carnivore (primarily molluscs, especially apple snails)

How it forages

Feeds primarily on large freshwater snails (e.g., Pila globosa, Pomacea canaliculata). The unique bill structure is adapted for extracting snails from their shells. They also consume frogs, crabs, large insects, and occasionally small snakes or fish. They forage by wading in shallow water, probing the mud with their bill.

When it feeds

Diurnal, actively foraging during daylight hours.

Explore the Asian Openbill