Marabou Stork
Image: dylanbot (cc-by-nc)
NameMarabou Stork
Common NameMarabou Stork
Scientific NameLeptoptilos crumenifer
FamilyCiconiidae
Wingspan (cm)260
Length (cm)135
Weight (g)6500
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark grey to black upperparts, including the back and wings, contrasting with white underparts. The head and neck are largely bare, pinkish to reddish, with sparse, downy feathers. A large pink gular sac hangs from the neck.
Vocalization / CallMarabou Storks are generally silent, especially outside the breeding season. They produce guttural grunts, croaks, and hisses, and engage in bill-clattering, particularly during courtship or when disturbed.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, grassland, swamp, lakeshore, riverbank, human settlements, landfills
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, found 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, dark grey/black upperparts, white underparts, scavenging behavior
Description
The Marabou Stork is a very large and distinctive wading bird known for its massive bill, bare head and neck, and a large gular sac. It is primarily a scavenger, often seen near carrion or human settlements, but also preys on various small animals.
