Marabou Stork
NameMarabou Stork
Common NameMarabou Stork
Scientific NameLeptoptilos crumenifer
FamilyCiconiidae
Wingspan (cm)260
Length (cm)140
Weight (g)6250
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark slate-grey upperparts and wings, contrasting sharply with white underparts and undertail coverts. The head and neck are largely bare, pinkish to reddish, with a prominent, inflatable pink gular sac at the throat.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, Marabou Storks can produce guttural grunts, croaks, and hisses, especially at nesting colonies. Bill-clattering is also used during courtship and territorial displays.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, savanna, grassland, near human settlements, landfills
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal in the west to Eritrea and Somalia in the east, and south to South Africa.
Identifying Featuresbare pinkish head and neck, large, wedge-shaped bill, large pink gular sac, dark grey upperparts, white underparts, long legs, massive size
Description
The Marabou Stork is a massive wading bird characterized by its bare head and neck, large gular sac, and imposing size. It is often found scavenging or wading in shallow waters across sub-Saharan Africa, playing an important role as a scavenger.
