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{{GSearch|Anastomus+lamelligerus}} | {{GSearch|Anastomus+lamelligerus}} | ||
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Revision as of 02:02, 13 August 2008
Alternative names: African Open-bill, African Open-billed Stork, Bec-ouvert africain, Mohrenklaffschnabel, Picotenaza Africano, Afrikaanse Gaper, Anastromo d'Africa
- Anastomus lamelligerus
Identification
Distribution
Africa south of the Sahara as well as Madagascar
Taxonomy
Polytypic. Consists of two subspecies.
Habitat
This bird is principally associated with extensive stretches of fresh water, although it is known to wander into drier regions. It is typically a bird of marshes, swamps and lakes where it feeds primarily on molluscs.
Behaviour
The bill is specialised for feeding on molluscs and bivalves. The lower mandible is used to slice through the muscle holding either the snail in its shell or the 2 halves of a bivalve shell. The upper mandible is used to steady the prey while the extraction is performed. The bird uses the sharp tip of its lower mandible to get past the protective plate which snails use to seal themselves into their shell.
