MARABOU
DESCRIPTION
The Marabou stork is a large wading bird known for its distinctive appearance, featuring a bald head and neck, and a large, hooked bill. It is often found in open and semi-open habitats across Africa.
FUN FACTS
- Marabou storks can soar at high altitudes for long distances | They are often referred to as 'the undertaker bird' due to their appearance | Marabou storks can eat up to 1 kg of food in a single meal
QUICK INFO
Lifespan25 years in the wild, up to 40 in captivity
Average Weight4-8 kg
Average Length1-1.5 m
Diet TypeCarnivore
Social Structuregroup — often seen in large flocks, especially when feeding
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonWet season
- Habitat
- Marabou storks inhabit a variety of environments, including savannas, wetlands, and urban areas. They are often seen near water sources where they can find food.
- Biomes
- Savanna, Wetland, Urban
- Native Range
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia
- Diet
- Marabou storks are scavengers and primarily feed on carrion, but they also consume small animals and fish. They are known to scavenge near human settlements and landfills.
- Diet Type
- Carnivore
- Favorite Food
- carrion, small animals
- Social Structure
- group — often seen in large flocks, especially when feeding
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-100
- Territorial
- 0
VU
4-8 kg
Weight
1-1.5 m
Length
- Coloration
- mostly white with black wing tips and a bald head
- Lifespan
- 25 years in the wild, up to 40 in captivity
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-3
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Wet season
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but local declines may occur due to habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 100,000-200,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction and pollution. They are also affected by changes in land use and food availability.
- Predators
- large birds of prey, humans
- Defense Mechanisms
- They rely on their size and scavenging behavior to avoid predators.
- Compatible Animals
- none
- Found in Zoos
- Common