| Range: |
Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Habitat: |
Rivers, lakes, swamps |
| Conservation Status: |
Common |
| Scientific Name: |
Ephippiorynchus senegalensis |
The saddlebill stork is one of the largest and most spectacular species of storks. Its long legs and upturned beak help this wading bird catch fish, frogs, and insects in shallow freshwater marshes. The stork reaches adult size by its first birthday but does not have adult plumage until it is two years old. A male and female are thought to mate for life. The pair builds enormous treetop nests, and cooperates in sitting on the eggs and raising the chicks. Did You Know?The yellow "saddle" across this stork's enormous multi-colored bill gives the bird its name.
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