Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus)
At Raptor Center, North Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada. Native to Africa, the marabou stork is often called the world's ugliest bird. Some males achieve a height of five feet and a weight of 20 lbs. The largest ones can have a wingspan of 12 feet, the greatest of any landbird. The pink gular sac in front helps keep the stork cool. In breeding season, the male inflates the sac to attract females and to ward off rival males.
Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus)
At Raptor Center, North Cowichan, British Columbia, Canada. Native to Africa, the marabou stork is often called the world's ugliest bird. Some males achieve a height of five feet and a weight of 20 lbs. The largest ones can have a wingspan of 12 feet, the greatest of any landbird. The pink gular sac in front helps keep the stork cool. In breeding season, the male inflates the sac to attract females and to ward off rival males.