Though described as an ugly looking bird, it has a majestic flight and has a very important role in the maintenance of ecosystem. Standing over 5 feet tall with a wingspan of more than 10 feet, these African birds are scavengers of large carrion, which is why they have featherless heads. They also eat other birds including flamingos. Its one of the largest birds only next to condors. Leptoptilos crumeniferus is a large, unusually ugly looking bird. In addition to hollow leg bones, marabou storks have hollow toe bones .Males can be identified by their large air sacs (gular sacs) .Marabous breed on the treetops, where they build large nests The Marabou stork has a long, reddish pouch hanging from its neck. This pouch is used in courtship rituals. The naked 18-inch inflatable pink sac is particularly conspicuous during the breeding season. It connects directly to the left nostril and acts as a resonator allowing the bird to produce a guttural croaking. While usually silent, the Marabou Stork will also emit a sound caused by beak clacking if it feels threatened. They mainly feed on carrion and scraps. Although it doesnt seem to be very sympathic in human eyes, this behaviour is of great importance to the ecosystem they inhabit; by removing carcasses and rotting material, Marabous help avoiding the spreading of pathogenes. They are scavengers, they eat anything from termites, flamingoes and small birds and mammals to human refuse and dead elephants. They also feed on carcasses with vultures and hyenas.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 12:26:49 +0000
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