Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Creature Feature #347: Jabiru

The Jabiru is a large American stork, ranging from Mexico to Argentina. Her name translates as "swollen neck". Male and female are similar in appearance, with the male being larger in size. They feed in flocks, wading through shallow water, holding their bills at a 45 degree angle to the water. Prey is located by tactile sensation and when captured, she closes her beak, draws it from the water and throws back her head to swallow. She is an opportunistic hunter, and will also eat rodents and carrion if the opportunity arises.

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