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Marabou Stork


Marabou Stork
Photo Information
Copyright: Shir Goldberg (shirgold) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 287 W: 109 N: 582] (2700)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-01-01
Categories: Birds
Camera: Nikon D70, AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor ED 70-300mm F4.5-5.6
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/1000 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Map: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-02-04 12:31
Viewed: 1456
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Marabou Stork, Leptoptilos crumeniferus, is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. It breeds in Africa south of the Sahara, occurring in both wet and arid habitats, often near human habitation, especially waste tips.

A massive bird, large specimens are thought to reach a height of 150 cm (60 in), a weight of over 9 kg (20 lbs) and have a wingspan of at least 3.2 m (10.5 ft). In the last regard, it shares the distinction of having the largest wingspan of any landbird with the Andean Condor. Unlike most storks, the three Leptoptilos species fly with the neck retracted like a heron.

The Marabou is unmistakable due to its size, bare head and neck, black back, and white underparts. It has a huge bill, a pink gular sack at its throat, a neck ruff, and black legs and wings. The sexes are alike, but the young bird is browner and has a smaller bill. Full maturity is not reached for up to four years.

Like most storks, the Marabou is gregarious and a colonial breeder. In the African dry season (when food is more readily available as the pools shrink) it builds a tree nest in which two or three eggs are laid.

It also resembles other storks in that it is not very vocal, but indulges in bill-rattling courtship displays. The throat sack is also used to make various noises at that time.

The Marabou Stork is a frequent scavenger, and the naked head and neck are adaptations to this, as it is with the vultures with which the stork often feeds. In both cases, a feathered head would become rapidly clotted with blood and other substances when the bird's head was inside a large corpse, and the bare head is easier to keep clean.

This large and powerful bird will eat different kinds of animals, either alive or as carrion, including small mammals, reptiles, and similar prey. Living prey includes termites, fish, locusts, grasshoppers, caterpillars, frogs, rodents, crocodile eggs and hatchlings, quelea nestlings, doves, young and adult flamingos, cormorant nestlings, and pelican chicks.
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • mrcrow Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 428 W: 116 N: 193] (3002)
  • [2008-02-04 12:47]

a quaint old friend..they seem to hang around all the time
you got an excellent personal look from this one as he passed by and noticeable by the little foot movement there
good naturists note is well received
cheers
geof

Hello Shir.

Excellent image, very good details and colors.

Regards.
Jose Luis.

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2380 W: 94 N: 5487] (17484)
  • [2008-02-04 13:11]

Hello Shir,
Wonderful photo of this Marabou. Great sharpness and beautiful colours. Excellent POV and pose.
Regards,
Peter

  • Great 
  • viv Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 297 W: 3 N: 653] (3307)
  • [2008-02-05 5:15]

Hi Shir,
Very nice shot of this marabou, good on the details and sharpness.
Viv

Hi Shir,
You certainly have brought out the best of this ugly looking fella by capturing him in excellent light and giving him wonderful colour.I like how you have caught him in midstep as if he's saying "I think I'll just sneak out of this scene....!".Good to see you back.
Regards, David

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2405 W: 63 N: 4226] (13820)
  • [2008-02-13 5:53]

Hello Shir,
Very nice shot of this marabou stork with good focus, sharpness, light and details. TFS
Best wishes,
Selen

  • Great 
  • Dando Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 637 W: 32 N: 792] (3084)
  • [2008-02-18 8:58]

Nice capture, excellent details and timing. TFS.

Dean.

  • Great 
  • iris Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 469 W: 60 N: 947] (3016)
  • [2008-03-12 3:35]

Hi Shir,
Stunning sharp shot of the Marabou Stork.The sheen on its feathers caught in the light adds to the beauty of the shot.The blue colour is quite different from the common blue seen on feathers.
The action is brought out by the forleg outstretched.
THanks for sharing.

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