The marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) is an unusual-looking, heavy-bodied stork with a grey back, white underparts, a spotted pink head and neck, and a large cone-shaped beak. It feeds mainly on carrion and scraps, and by removing rotting flesh and carcasses it plays an important part in the ecosystem, helping to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
Name
Marabou Stork [Leptoptilos crumeniferus]
Appearance
The Marabou Stork is a rather unusual and ugly looking stork. The Marabou Stork has hollow leg bones as well as hollow toe bones, which allow them to fly much easier, as their bodies are heavy. They have duo tone body, with the tops being a grey colour and the under sides white in colour. The head and necks are pink in colour with spots covering the head. They have a large conical shaped beak. Both the male and female are similar in colour and appearance, with the male being slightly taller and larger than the females. Both sexes have the iconic baggy sack hanging from their throat.
Diet
The Marabou Stork feeds mainly on carrion and scraps. Unfortunately, the Marabou Stork isn’t seen in good eyes because of their unusual diet, but they are very important in maintaining the ecosystem as they remove rotting flesh and carcasses from an area that prevents the spread of harmful bacteria. These birds feed on anything from Termites to flamingos and small birds and mammals. These birds also feed on carcasses along with hyenas and vultures.
Breeding
The Marabou Stork makes their large nests in the trees and prefer to live close to human settlements. They will reach sexual maturity at 4 years and mate for life. Their nests are large platforms made out of sticks with a cup that is lined with leaves and sticks. 2 – 3 eggs are laid during the dry season with both sexes aiding in the incubation.
Behaviour
The Marabou Stork will be attracted to grass fires. They stand a distance ahead of the fire and catch the fleeing animals. Large groups of these birds are found in the areas of migrating animals. The Marabou Stork defecates on their legs, which may seem strange, but it helps them to regulate their temperature. These birds are rather lazy animals and spend most of their day standing motionless.
Habitat
Marabou Storks prefer open, semi-arid areas, that are near water. They live across much of sub-Saharan Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a marabou stork eat?
Marabou storks feed mainly on carrion and scraps, eating anything from termites to flamingos, small birds and small mammals. They also feed on carcasses alongside hyenas and vultures.
Why do marabou storks defecate on their legs?
Marabou storks defecate on their legs, which may seem strange, but it helps them regulate their temperature. These rather lazy birds also spend most of their day standing motionless.
How can a marabou stork fly with such a heavy body?
Marabou storks have hollow leg bones and hollow toe bones. Because their bodies are heavy, these hollow bones allow them to fly much more easily.
How do marabou storks breed?
Marabou storks reach sexual maturity at 4 years and build large platform nests of sticks in trees, with a cup lined with leaves and sticks. Two to three eggs are laid during the dry season, and both sexes help with incubation.
Why are marabou storks attracted to grass fires?
Marabou storks gather at grass fires to hunt: they stand a distance ahead of the fire and catch the animals fleeing from it. Large groups of these birds are also found in areas where animals are migrating.
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