Black-necked Stork (Jabiru, Satin Stork)

Description:

Large black & white long necked wading bird, long red legs, large bill, female has yellow eyes, male has dark eyes, young & juveniles brown & white mottled changing to adult plumage of crisp black & white with metaliic shimmer. The only member of the stork family resident in Australia. feeds on fish, eels often cutting them into smaller pieces with the sharp beak. Soars high on wind thermals and travels great distances, often resident pairs reside permanently in one area.

Habitat:

Coastal to partly inland in most northern states (NSW, QLD, NT, WA), once more widespread and in greater numbers. Prefers areas of wetlands, freshwater swamps & estuaries, dams, mangroves but often areas not so densely vegetated which offer wider view against predators. Nests high from ground in large messy stick nest.

Notes:

Three youngsters raised by parents this season, all busy practicing flight & feeding activities in the shrinking wetlands.