Weight & Size

weight: 1.5 Kg
size: 90 cm

Habitat & Distribution

Found in throughout Africa, south of the Sahara desert but also absent from much of South Africa.

Mainly found inland at cultivated lands, sewage works, dams, lakes and marshes.

Identification

The colour is mainly white with black on the head, neck and feathers on the back when the wings are folded. During the breeding season the naked skin under the wings turns scarlet and the flank feathers yellow. The bill is long and de-curved. While in flight the wings are white with black on the edges. Most of the time it is silent, while it is at the nest it makes a harsh moaning sound.

Behaviour

Very gregarious in large flocks
They often scavenge around farmyards or dairies
They roost in trees, reedbeds or on islands.

Diet

Insects, small mammals, young birds and eggs.

Conservation

Common through-out its range.

Breeding

Will breed all year round.
Builds a nest on a platform of sticks lined with leaves and grasses.

Clutch : 2-3 eggs
Incubation : About 28 days