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Leptoptilos crumeniferus

Photo by Max Holdt
Photographed: Etosha NP, Namibia.

[edit] Identification

150 cm. Bare head and neck, black back, and white underparts. Huge bill, a pink 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.

[edit] Distribution

Africa

[edit] Taxonomy

[edit] Habitat

Wet and arid habitats.

[edit] Behaviour

It builds a tree nest in which 2-3 eggs are laid.

[edit] Diet

Diet includes 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.

[edit] External Links