These huge storks are listed as "near threatened" by Birdlife International. Although the north Australian population is considered stable, the species has declined to near extinction in SE Asia and only about 1,000 birds are left in India where it is threatened by continued reclamation of wetland habitat. This is a male with a dark eye; females have a yellow iris. Its closest relative appears to be the Saddle-billed Stork (E. senegalensis) of Africa which also exhibits sexual dimorphism in eye color. Two races are currently recognized with Australian birds assigned to E. a. australis. The subspecies differ in the color of the neck, with Indian and Asian birds having a more green iridescence, while Australian birds are more blue-black. However, as with any iridescent color, light angle can play tricks and these color differences are unreliable. This species sometimes goes by the name "Jabiru" causing confusion with a totally different tropical American stork by that name.
Nikon P510 Coolpix Point & Shoot; photo taken from a boat.