H3_W1_001

Date: 2018

Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana

Did you know?

The Saddle-Billed Stork or saddlebill is a large wading bird in the stork family. It is a widespread species that is a resident breeder in sub-Saharan Africa. It is considered endangered in South Africa. It is a close relative of the widespread Asian and Australian Black-Necked Stork The Saddle-Billed Stork gets its name from the yellow fronta l shield also known as the ‘saddle’, that is on its massive red and black bill.

About the picture

The Saddle-Billed Stork searches for prey by stabbing its bill into water, mud, or vegetation and catching prey by contact. This side profile of the bird was taken while it was hunting for food in the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Fun Fact

The Saddle-Billed Stork’s wingspan extends up to 2.7 m (8 feet 10 inches)!