Marabou Stork

Leptoptilos crumeniferus

 
Marabou Stork Marabou Stork

The Marabou Stork from sub-Saharan Africa is a strange-looking bird with a mostly bare face and head like a vulture since it scavenges carrion as well as live prey. It is nearly 5 feet high with a massive wingspan over over 11 feet, the second largest of land birds. It also has a monstrous bill and a strange pink throat sack. Male and female have a similar appearance.
Marabou Stork

The Marabou Stork, sometimes called the African Adjutant, is related to the similar-looking Asian Adjutant Storks (Greater and Lesser).
Marabou Stork Marabou Stork Marabou Stork
Marabou Stork Marabou Stork Marabou Stork

Sort of endearing -- reminiscent of someone you know

  
Marabou Stork Marabou Stork Marabou Stork
Marabou Stork in flight Marabou Stork in flight Marabou Stork in flight
  Marabou Storks in flight  
Marabou Stork in flight Marabou Stork in flight Marabou Stork in flight
       
  Links:       
Marabous nesting Click on picture link to the left for photos of a pair of Marabou Storks nesting    
Marabou Storks nesting