Bird · GBIF taxon 9772663
Marabou Stork
Leptoptilos crumeniferAlso known as Undertaker Bird
Marabou storks are massive, opportunistic scavengers that roam the grasslands, wetlands, and urban edges of sub-Saharan Africa. Easily recognized by their bare pink heads, inflated gular sacs, and dark feather capes, they play a vital ecological role by clearing carcasses alongside vultures and hyenas. During the breeding season, they nest in noisy colonial rookeries high in trees, often close to human settlements.
ScavengerLarge BirdWading Bird
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Carrion
- Fish
- Locusts
Predators
- Lions
- Leopards
- Nile Crocodiles
ThreatsPoisoning from baited carcasses, electrocution on power lines, habitat alteration
HabitatsSavannas, grasslands, wetlands, riverbanks, and landfill sites
Life span20–25 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCiconiiformes
- FamilyCiconiidae
- GenusLeptoptilos
- SpeciesLeptoptilos crumenifer
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Possesses a massive, dagger-like bill capable of inflicting severe stabs; maintain a safe distance.
Responsible observation
- Observe from a distance: Maintain a respectful buffer, especially near landfill sites or active feeding frenzies.
- Watch display behavior: Look for the inflation of their pink throat sac during courtship and territorial displays.
- Scan tree nesting colonies: Check tall acacia trees or baobabs in towns and parks where large groups construct nests.
Frequent Companion Yathin sk / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Co-inhabitant (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Rejoice Gassah, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Rejoice Gassah · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Stefan C · cc0
Close Relative (c) i_c_riddell, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by i_c_riddell · cc-by
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