Marabou Stork

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NameMarabou Stork

Common NameMarabou Stork

Scientific NameLeptoptilos crumeniferus

FamilyCiconiidae

Wingspan (cm)256

Length (cm)140

Weight (g)6500

Plumage DetailsAdult Marabou Storks have dark grey to black upperparts and wings, contrasting with white underparts. The head and neck are largely bare, appearing pinkish to reddish, with sparse, wispy white down on the crown. A large, inflatable pink gular sac hangs from the neck.

Vocalization / CallGenerally a silent bird, the Marabou Stork can produce guttural croaks, grunts, and bill-clattering sounds, particularly when at the nest or during social interactions.

Primary Dietomnivore

Primary Habitatsgrassland, urban, wetland

Conservation Statusleast-concern

Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, found from Senegal and Gambia in the west, east to Eritrea and Somalia, and south to South Africa.

Identifying Featuresmassive size, bare pinkish head and neck, large wedge-shaped bill, prominent gular sac, dark grey/black upperparts, white underparts, long, pale legs

Description

The Marabou Stork is a massive wading bird characterized by its bare head and neck, a large wedge-shaped bill, and a prominent gular sac. It is often seen scavenging for food, displaying a somewhat hunched posture on the ground and a slow, deliberate flight with its long legs trailing behind.

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