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Saddle-billed Stork L: 142 cm (56") | WS: 240–270 cm (94–106") is very large, tall, long-legged black- and-white stork has a unique and distinctive bill that is red, yellow and black e male has dark-brown eyes and frequently a yellow wattle at the bill base, while the female has yellow eyes In flight, the white belly and underwing pattern – white with a black central line – are diagnostic e immature looks fluffy and is tan coloured with a dark bill and facial skin It is a rare but very conspicuous resident bird in Kruger, preferring rivers and large undisturbed wetlands, where it forages for favourites such as catfish, but will also take frogs, birds and insects Most of South Africa’s breeding population occurs in Kruger, which supports around 20–40 pairs, with several stable territories on the Letaba and Levuvu rivers Large conservation areas such as Kruger are crucial for this species’ survival However, pollution of, and removal of water (for industry and agriculture) from the Letaba, Olifants and Sabie river catchments outside Kruger is reducing the number of Saddle-billed Storks in the park Wetland storks: 2 and Hamerkop EN One of the BIG 6 28 © Copyright, Princeton University Press. No part of this book may be distributed, posted, or reproduced in any form by digital or mechanical means without prior written permission of the publisher. For general queries, contact [email protected]
