The marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) name originates from Arabic – and means quiet or hermit-like. It is found in Africa and in parts of Asia and Europe. and breeds in Africa south of the Sahara. The gular sac – the pink pouch hanging under its bill –has two purposes: it helps keep the stork cool, as the skin has a dense concentration of blood vessels. It’s also a show-off device. In the breeding season, the male Marabou stork inflates the sac to impress rivals and prospective partners. The female will inflate hers in return. They also have a second air sac, small and normally hidden by feathers at the back of the neck, which swells like a red bubble during a display. Marabou Storks are scavengers like vultures, feeding on animal carcasses, but will also settle for frogs, termites, snakes, fish, grasshoppers, rodents, and even young flamingos or nestlings. Due to the having a big body and carrying a lot of weight, the Marabou Stork’s long legs have hollow bones. This assists the bird to be able to take off from the ground, and enable flight. The marabou stork has been dubbed “the undertaker bird” because, when seen from behind, the its back and wings appear cloak-like.
