Marabou Stork
NameMarabou Stork
Common NameMarabou Stork
Scientific NameLeptoptilos crumenifer
FamilyCiconiidae
Wingspan (cm)250
Length (cm)130
Weight (g)6500
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark slate-grey upperparts, wings, and tail, contrasting with white underparts. The head and neck are largely bare, pinkish, and often blotchy, with a large, inflatable pink gular sac hanging from the neck. The bill is massive, wedge-shaped, and yellowish-brown.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent outside of breeding colonies. When vocalizing, they produce guttural croaks, grunts, hisses, and bill-clattering, especially during courtship or when disturbed at the nest.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, grassland, swamp, lake shores, riverbanks, human settlements, refuse dumps
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia in the west to Eritrea and Somalia in the east, and south to South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesVery large size, Massive, wedge-shaped bill, Bare pinkish head and neck, Large gular sac (pouch) on neck, Dark grey upperparts, white underparts, Often seen scavenging
Description
The Marabou Stork is a very large and distinctive wading bird, known for its massive bill, bare head and neck, and a prominent gular sac. It is primarily a scavenger, often seen near carrion or human refuse, but also preys on various small animals.
