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Ephippiorhynchus
wiki: The Saddle-billed Stork is a large wading bird in the stork family, Ciconiidae. It is a widespread species which is a resident breeder in sub-Saharan Africa from Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya south to South Africa, and in The Gambia, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and Chad in west Africa. This is a close relative of the widespread Asian Black-necked Stork, the only other member of the genus Ephippiorhynchus. This is a huge bird that regularly attains a height of 150 cm (59 in), a length of 142 cm (56 in) and a 2.4–2.7 m (7.9–8.9 ft) wingspan. The male is larger and heavier than the female, with a range of 5.1–7.5 kg (11–17 lb). The female is usually between 5 and 7 kg (11 and 15 lb). It is probably the tallest of the storks (though not the heaviest), due in no small part to it extremely long legs (tarsus length is up to 36.5 cm (14.4 in)). The long bill measures from 27.3 to 36 cm (10.7 to 14 in).[2] The sexes can be readily distinguished by the golden yellow irises of the female and the brown irises and dangling yellow wattles of the male.
Lockinvar Park, Zambia
always a treat to see one!
Spotted on Apr 25, 2012
Submitted on Jun 25, 2013
1 Comment
awesome bird!