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A photo of a Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer)
Marabou Stork

Marabou Stork

Leptoptilos crumenifer

The marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) 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". The marabou is unmistakable due to its size, bare head and neck, black back, and white underparts. It has a huge bill, a pink gular sac at its throat (crumenifer(us) means "carrier of a pouch for money"), a neck ruff, and black legs and wings. The sexes are alike, but the young bird is browner and has a smaller bill. Full maturity is not reached for up to four years.
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Marabou Storks on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Christa Harmsen
Christa Harmsen
Monday 25 Sep 2023 - 3:35pm
South Africa
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Ashwell Barrett Glasson
Ashwell Barrett Glasson
Monday 25 Sep 2023 - 8:56am
South Africa
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Hans Van de wetering
Hans Van de wetering
Monday 25 Sep 2023 - 4:50am
South Africa
A photo of a Marabou Stork photographed in Spitskop South Africa
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Michelle Millar Buys
Wednesday 20 Sep 2023 - 6:10am
South Africa
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