Birds
File:Marabou stork, Leptoptilos crumeniferus edit1.jpg

Marabou Stork

Marabou Stork

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The Marabou Stork is a colossal and somewhat grotesque-looking stork native to sub-Saharan Africa, often called the 'undertaker bird' due to its cape-like back and pale undertail. It is primarily a scavenger, though it will also hunt.
Where to spot
Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, found in various habitats from arid savannas to human settlements, especially near carrion, refuse dumps, and fishing villages.
How to spot
Look for its immense size, bald head and neck, large gular pouch, and massive, wedge-shaped bill. Often seen soaring high on thermals, loafing on the ground, or congregating at food sources. Its hunched posture gives it an unmistakable silhouette.
When to spot
Can be observed year-round throughout its range. Often associated with the dry season when carcasses are more prevalent or near human activities.
File:Marabou stork, Leptoptilos crumeniferus edit1.jpg
File:Marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer).jpg
File:Marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) head.jpg
File:Marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) in flight.jpg
File:Marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) in flight 2.jpg
File:Marabou storks (Leptoptilos crumenifer) on elephant carcass.jpg
File:Marabú africano (Leptoptilos crumenifer), parque nacional de Tarangire, Tanzania, 2024-05-25, DD 45.jpg
File:Maribou stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) with poo.jpg
File:Marabou stork, Leptoptilos crumeniferus edit1.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) head.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) in flight.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) in flight 2.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Marabou storks (Leptoptilos crumenifer) on elephant carcass.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Marabú africano (Leptoptilos crumenifer), parque nacional de Tarangire, Tanzania, 2024-05-25, DD 45.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Maribou stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) with poo.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
It possesses an enormous gular pouch, which is an inflatable sac on its throat, thought to play a role in thermoregulation and display, though its exact function is still debated.
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