By Andrea Muckley
Geographic Range
The Marabou stork is found throughout Africa. However, it usually resides somewhere between the Sahara Desert and South Africa. ( Dinsmore, 1997; Deignan, 1982)
Habitat
The habitat of the Marabou stork includes aquatic, arid areas of Africa. The bird is also frequently found near landfills or fishing villages. (Lincoln Park Zoo, 1999)
Terrestrial Biomes:
desert or dune 
; savanna or grassland .
Physical Description
(316.8 oz)
Leptoptilos crumeniferus is a large, unusual looking bird. It stands on long, grey legs at about 1.5 meters tall. The bird's upper body and wings are black or dark grey, and its underparts are white. Its soft, white tail feathers are known as marabou. Its neck and head contain no feathers. The Marabou stork has a long, reddish pouch hanging from its neck. This pouch is used in courtship rituals. (Dinsmore, 1997)
Some key physical features:
endothermic ; bilateral symmetry .
Reproduction
Leptoptilos crumeniferus is known as a colonial breeder. It reaches sexual maturity when it is approximately four years old and usually mates for life. The stork lays its eggs in small nests made of sticks that hold two or three of its eggs. The Marabou breeds during the dry season because at this time the water levels are low, which make it easier to catch frogs and fish to feed the young. This stork may live up to 25 years. (Microsoft Encarta, 1999; Campbell, 1972)
Key reproductive features:
iteroparous ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; oviparous .
Behavior
Leptoptilos crumeniferus is a communal animal. They often gather in groups, usually near lakes or rivers. Although it is usually silent, the Marabou stork occasionally grunts, croaks, or rattles its bill. The stork will use its throat pouch to make these noises, especially during courtship. (Campbell, 1972)
Key behaviors:
flies; motile .
Food Habits
The Marabou stork is a scavenger. It primarily relies on the carcasses of dead animals as their source of food. However, they also eat live prey, such as fish, reptiles, and locusts. (Campbell, 1974; Dinsmore, 1997)
Economic Importance for Humans: Negative
The Marabou stork does not appear to have any negative effects on humans or the environment.
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
The Marabou stork reduces the spread of disease by cleaning up animal carcasses. (National Zoo, 2000)
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: [link]:
Least Concern.
US Federal List: [link]:
No special status.
CITES: [link]:
No special status.
Due to its ability to adjust to human activity, the population of Marabou storks may actually be increasing. (National Zoo, 2000)
Other Comments
The tail feathers of the Marabou stork, called marabou, were once used to trim hats and gowns and to make scarves. (Dinsmore, 1997)
For More Information
Find Leptoptilos crumeniferus information at
Contributors
Andrea Muckley (author), Milford High School.
George Campbell (editor), Milford High School.
