Marabou Stork
Image: dylanbot (cc-by-nc)
NameMarabou Stork
Common NameMarabou Stork
Scientific NameLeptoptilos crumenifer
FamilyCiconiidae
Wingspan (cm)256
Length (cm)133.5
Weight (g)6700
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark grey upperparts and white underparts. The head and neck are largely featherless, appearing pinkish to reddish, with a prominent, inflatable pink gular sac. The bill is massive, wedge-shaped, and yellowish.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can produce guttural croaks, grunts, and bill-clattering, especially during breeding displays at the nest. The gular sac is used to produce booming sounds.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, grassland, swamp, marsh, lake shore, riverbank, human settlements, landfills
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia in the west to Ethiopia and Somalia in the east, and south to South Africa.
Identifying Featuresvery large size, bare pinkish head and neck, large inflatable gular sac, massive wedge-shaped bill, dark grey upperparts and white underparts
Description
The Marabou Stork is a very large, distinctive wading bird known for its bare head and neck, large gular sac, and massive bill. It is primarily a scavenger, often seen soaring on thermals or congregating at carrion and refuse sites.
