Abdim's Stork
NameAbdim's Stork
Common NameAbdim's Stork
Scientific NameCiconia abdimii
FamilyCiconiidae
Wingspan (cm)140
Length (cm)73
Weight (g)1150
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly glossy black on the head, neck, back, and wings, contrasting with white underparts. The legs are greyish, and the bill is olive-grey with a reddish tip. The most striking feature is the bare facial skin, which is blue around the eye and has a red patch between the eye and the bill.
Vocalization / CallAbdim's Storks are generally silent birds. During the breeding season, they engage in bill-clattering as a form of communication, particularly during courtship and nesting.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across a wide band of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east, and south to South Africa. It is a migratory species, moving north after breeding.
Identifying FeaturesGlossy black upperparts and white underparts, Blue bare facial skin around the eye with a red patch in front, Olive-grey bill with a reddish tip, Relatively small size for a stork, Greyish legs
Description
The Abdim's Stork is a medium-sized stork with glossy black upperparts and white underparts. It is notable for its distinctive bare facial skin, which is blue around the eye and has a red patch in front of it. This migratory species is often found in open grasslands and savannas across sub-Saharan Africa.
