Marabou Stork (Leptopilos crumeniferus)

Marabou Stork
Leptopilos crumeniferus

The Marabou Stork (Leptopilos crumeniferus) is a widespread species of the grasslands and savannas of Africa. It is a large, powerful species and often feeds on the leftovers from game kills and other carrion. It also catches frogs, fish, rodents, and pretty much anything else. The bird shown here was one of a group of about a dozen individuals feeding in a drying lake bed near Phalaborwa, Limpopo Province, South Africa in January, 2006. These digital shots were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II & EF 500mm F/4L IS lens and 1.4X extender.