The African Marabou Stork primarily feeds on carrion, scientifically known as Leptoptilos crumeniferus. They build their nests in trees or among rock crevices.
The African Marabou Stork has a quite distinctive appearance: its head and neck are adorned with sparse, pale pink feathers. The body features a prominent, pouch-like bulge, resembling a hanging bag around its neck. It has a large, heavy-looking beak; its wings, back, and tail are gray with striking blue highlights; while its underside is white.
As the largest stork species in Africa, an adult Marabou Stork can reach an approximate length of 1.4 meters, a wingspan of about 3 meters, and weigh around 5 kilograms, standing at a height of roughly 1.5 meters.
These storks can soar for long distances by riding on thermal updrafts, searching for carrion. When in flight, they tuck their heads back; typically, they arrive when large predators like leopards or lions finish their meals and leave behind scraps. This scavenger stork competes with hyenas and vultures for food.
At the end of the rainy season, female Marabou Storks lay two to three eggs. The incubation period lasts about 30 days before the eggs hatch. The chicks can take their first flight at around 116 days old, and they leave the nest to live independently at about 130 days old.
This species is found in lowland areas, savannas, swamps, and around rivers, lakes, canals, and marshes throughout Africa.
