A male saddle-billed stork walks along the shore of the zambezi river in zambia, africa.

Male Saddle-billed Stork

Zambia, Africa

The saddle-billed stork is a massive, strikingly colored wading bird native to sub-Saharan Africa. Standing up to 5 feet (150 cm) tall, it is likely the tallest stork in the world. It is easily recognized by its "saddle"—a bright yellow, leathery shield at the base of its long, red-and-black bill.

Unlike most storks, you can tell the males and females apart by their eyes. Females have bright yellow irises, while males have dark brown irises and small yellow wattles hanging from the base of their bill. They also lack a syrinx (voice box) and are completely mute. They are usually seen alone or in permanent, monogamous pairs. They are highly territorial and typically do not form colonies.

They are carnivores that primarily hunt for fish (especially catfish), frogs, and crabs in shallow water. They are also known to eat reptiles, small mammals, and even other birds.

Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.

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