Abdim's Stork

Medium-sized stork with glossy, black body except for white chest. Additionally, a slight white streak extends along the upper edge of the wing. Legs are a dull gray to dull red. Face is bare and primarily blue with red patches of bare skin in front of the eye and on the throat. The feet and ankles tend to be pink or red in color.

General Information:

Common Name:Abdim's stork
Scientific Name:Ciconia abdimii
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family:Ciconiidae

Description

Distribution

Abdim's stork is found in open habitats throughout Eastern Africa, from Ethiopia south to South Africa.

Habitat

Primarily wading birds found around shallow water; can be found in open grasslands, pastures, areas of cultivation, ponds, and swamps; these birds often roost in trees or rock cliffs.

Mating Habits

Primary diet is insects including swarming locusts, grasshoppers, and crickets. At times Abdim’s storks may also feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, crabs, scorpions, and mollusks.

Diet

Primary diet is insects including swarming locusts, grasshoppers, and crickets. At times Abdim’s storks may also feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, crabs, scorpions, and mollusks.
By 3 weeks old the owlets stand, making snoring noises with wings raised and tail stumps waggling, begging for food items. By the 6th week, they are as big as the adults and by the 9th week, the owlets are fully-fledged and start leaving the nest briefly themselves. They are still dependent on their parents until about 13 weeks and receive training from the female in finding, and eventually catching prey. Young females become ready to breed at 10 to 11 months of age although males sometimes wait till the following year.

Threats

Residential & commercial development

Housing & urban areas

Agriculture & aquaculture

Annual & perennial non-timber crops
Livestock farming & ranching

IUCN Status

Least Concern