Leptoptilos crumenifer

(Lesson, 1831)

Vernacular names
English : Marabou stork
French : Marabout d’Afrique

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Pelecaniformes
Family : Ciconiidae
Notes : No subspecies known

Identification
Body length up to 152 cm, weight of 8,9 kg and wingspan up to 287 cm. Wings slaty grey, rest of plumage white. Dark iris. Naked face and neck usually red to pink-red with black stains, most numerous around huge horn-colored bill.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia, south to Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Lives in open dry savannas, often near waterbodies. Sometimes in cities.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix III
Status : The species is expanding its range and its populations are increasing because of its ability to feed and nest in and near garbage dumps.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, ESB in Europe

Observation

 

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