Saddle-Billed Stork

Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis

Animal Class: Birds

Height: 56-60 inches

Wingspan: 94-106 inches

Weight: 11 to 17 pounds

Lifespan: Around 12 years in the wild, up to 19 years in human care

Diet: Fish, shellfish, and amphibians. They may also eat small mammals or reptiles.

Habitat: Tropical areas of Africa south of the Sahara desert. They prefer open areas near water.

Description: This large species of stork is known for its bright coloring in both males and females. Unusual for birds, saddle-billed storks are silent, except for occasional bill-clacking. 

Saddle-billed storks are typically solitary or paired, and mated pairs are territorial. A pair will lay 2-3 eggs during breeding season, and both parents incubate and care for the chicks.

The saddle-billed stork represents the letter “ba” in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, and has been found at archeological digs that date to more than 6000 years old.

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Our Animals: Ducatel