African Openbill

Anastomus lamelligerus

Inland waters. Tawny bill with gap between mandibles.

Storks

Not Endemic

Description

Uncommon to locally common resident and visitor. A small stork appearing all-black with a tawny bill. At close range the gap between the mandibles is visible; this is lacking in the immature. Occurs singly or in flocks at large rivers, floodlands and pans in wooded regions. Feeds on freshwater mussels and snails caught while wading. Rests at the waterside or in trees. Nomadic; flocks on the move soar to great heights. Breeds opportunistically when water levels are suitable, building nests colonially in reeds or trees in floodlands.

Quick Facts

Bird Family

Large to very large long-legged and long-necked birds with straight, stout bills. Plumage mostly black and white; bills and legs whitish, reddish or dark. Storks walk with a stately gait and frequently rest on the ground with the lower parts of their legs stretched forward. In flight, the neck is stretched out (unlike herons, which fly with retracted necks) and the legs may trail down at a slight angle to the body. Most storks sometimes soar to great heights during the heat of the day; many are communal in habit and most frequent water or damp places to some extent. Diet ranges from large insects, reptiles, frogs and other waterlife to carrion in one species. They make guttural sounds and hisses at nests, and bill-clapping is used as a greeting between pairs. The nests are large stick structures placed in trees or on rocks, cliffs or the ground.