Marabou Stork
Leptoptilos crumenifer
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Ciconiiformes · Ciconiidae
About
The marabou stork is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae native to sub-Saharan Africa. It breeds in both wet and arid habitats, often near human habitation, especially landfill sites. It is sometimes called the "undertaker bird" due to its shape from behind: cloak-like wings and back, skinny white legs, and sometimes a large white mass of "hair". It has often been credited with the largest wingspan of any land bird, with an average of 2.6 metres (8.5 ft) and some recorded examples of up to 3.2 metres (10 ft).
Fun Fact
Marabou Storks have hollow leg and toe bones—unusual among birds—and can stand up to 1.5 meters tall, giving them an imposing presence at carcasses.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Native to sub-Saharan Africa.
Diet
Scavenger
Lifespan
43 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance