Details
Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis
The saddle-billed stork is a large African wetland stork. Diurnal pairs or solitary birds stride through shallow water.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses rivers, floodplains, marshes, lake edges, and wet grassland. Open shallows and nearby tall trees support feeding and nesting.
Wingspan is about 240-270 cm and weight about 5-7.5 kg. Black-and-white plumage, long red legs, and a red, yellow, and black bill are striking.
Active by day, it walks slowly while searching for prey. Despite its size, it moves carefully through shallow water.
It is carnivorous, catching fish, frogs, crustaceans, and small vertebrates. Quick bill strikes secure prey at the water's edge.
Pairs build large nests in tall trees. Adults defend the nest and bring wetland prey to the young.
Its status is listed as Least Concern. It is most likely where broad wetlands and tall nesting trees remain available.
