Saddle billed stork

Introduction: Saddle-billed storks (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) are found singly, in pairs or small family groups in large rivers in open savannahs, freshwater marshes, pans and floodplains. They are generally absent from forest. These habitats allows pairs to forage independently and to drink frequently, especially after feeding.

Distribution: Etosha National Park, Caprivi, Kaudom Game Park and other scattered northern and central Namibian populations.

Diet: Forages in shallow water for catfish, fish and frogs, reptiles, molluscs, crustaceans, small mammals and birds. Also eats fish stranded at drying pools, large water beetles, carrion and termites.

Description: Saddle-billed storks are very large storks with long, straight bills coloured with distinctive black and red patterns. Plumage is black and white and the legs red. Ephippiorhynchus is a Greek phrase for 'saddle-billed' which refers to the frontal shield.

Breeding: Pairs bond for life and build a large stick and earth nest lined with grass or reeds. Females lay2 to 4 eggs in July, August or April, incubated for up to 35 days.

Size: 150cm.

Weight: 7kg.

Wingspan: 2.7m.