From Opus

Revision as of 01:01, 4 May 2009

Jabiru mycteria

For the species Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, see Black-necked Stork

Photo by Sylvester_b
Photographed in Brazil.

Identification

1.5 m (5 ft) tall, 2.8 m (9.2 ft) across the wings, and a weight of at least 8 kg (17.6 lbs). The beak, up to 30 cm (1 foot) long, is black and broad, slightly upturned, ending in a sharp point. The plumage is mostly white, but the head and upper neck are featherless and black, with a featherless red stretchable pouch at the base. The sexes are similar, although the female is usually smaller than the male.

Distribution

Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Brazil, and Paraguay

Taxonomy

Habitat

Near rivers and ponds.

Behaviour

Diet includes fish, mollusks, and amphibians, occasionally eat reptiles and small mammals.

The nest of twigs is built ilt by both parents around August–September on tall trees, and enlarged at each succeeding season growing to several meters in diameter. Half a dozen nests may be built in close proximitiy, sometimes among nests of herons and other birds. The parents take turns incubating the clutch of 2 to 5 white eggs.

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