Yellow-billed Stork

The Yellow-billed Stork, Mycteria ibis, is a striking wader of the African continent. This medium-sized stork, with a height ranging from 90 to 105 cm, is adorned with a predominantly white plumage contrasted by a short black tail with a green and purple sheen. Its namesake yellow bill is slightly curved at the end, distinguishing it from other storks.

Identification Tips

During the breeding season, the Yellow-billed Stork's plumage is tinged pink on the upperwings and back, and its legs turn a vivid pink. The male is generally larger with a longer bill compared to the female. Juveniles can be identified by their greyish-brown coloration, dull yellowish bill, and brown legs.

Habitat

This species favors wetlands, shallow lakes, and mudflats, typically in water depths of 10-40 cm, avoiding heavily forested areas and deep waters unsuitable for their feeding techniques.

Distribution

The Yellow-billed Stork is found across Eastern Africa, from Senegal and Somalia to South Africa, and in parts of Madagascar. It exhibits local migratory movements influenced by rainfall patterns.

Behaviour

These storks are known for their high-stepped stalking gait and impressive flight aerobatics. They are generally non-vocal but may emit hissing screams during social displays in the breeding season.

Song & Calls

The species is mostly silent, but during the breeding season, it engages in bill clattering and a distinctive "woofing" wing beat. Nestlings produce a loud, monotonous braying call to solicit food from adults.

Breeding

Breeding is triggered by heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding, which increases prey availability. Courtship involves a series of displays and rituals leading to pair formation. Both parents share incubation duties, and hatching is asynchronous, leading to size disparities among chicks.

Similar Species

The Yellow-billed Stork can be confused with other storks, but its yellow bill and breeding plumage are distinctive.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic organisms. They feed by touch, using a snap-bill reflex to capture prey and a foot-stirring technique to flush out hidden prey.

Conservation Status

The Yellow-billed Stork is classified as Least Concern due to its large range and population size, despite local threats such as habitat reduction and poaching.

In Culture or Relationships to Humans

This bird has been featured on postage stamps in various African countries, highlighting its cultural significance.

Status

Despite a decreasing population trend, the Yellow-billed Stork is not considered vulnerable due to its large population and extensive range.