Yellow-billed Stork

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Mycteria ibis

The Yellow-billed Stork is a medium sized (up to 2kg), gregarious species that is usually seen in pairs or small flocks of up to 50 birds. They frequent shallow wetlands, estuaries and the banks of rivers and lakes, where they feed mainly on frogs, fish and aquatic invertebrates by moving their opened bills through the water, feeling for prey. They also roost and breed communally, in groups of up to 50 pairs, often together with other kinds of waterbirds. Breeding takes place when food is easiest to come by, usually when fish are concentrated in shrinking pools during the dry season. Nests are stick-platforms built in trees, often over water, in which 2 to 4 eggs are incubated by both parents for around 30 days.

Yellow-billed Stork
Yellow-billed Stork at Sunset Dam
Yellow-billed Stork
Yellow-billed Stork
Yellow-billed Stork at Sunset Dam
Yellow-billed stork
Yellow-billed Stork
Yellow-billed Stork
Yellow-billed Stork
Yellow-billed Stork
Yellow-billed Stork
Yellow-billed Stork
Yellow-billed Stork
Yellow-billed Storks
Yellow-billed Stork
Yellow-billed Stork at Mankwe Dam
Yellow-billed Storks at Sunset Dam
Yellow-billed Storks
Yellow-billed Storks
Yellow-billed Stork
Yellow-billed Stork (photo by Joubert)
Yellow-billed Stork
Yellow-billed Stork (photo by Joubert)
Yellow-billed Storks

According to the IUCN, the Yellow-billed Stork is of least conservation concern, although their population is apparently slowly decreasing . They’re a common sight over most of Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, and in South Africa they can be encountered in all provinces except the Northern and Western Cape.

17 thoughts on “Yellow-billed Stork”

  3. Nature on the Edge

    Had a ramble through your various bird posts, Dries and admire the collection of photos and knowledge. So enjoy the ‘fit for purpose’ aspects of build and beaks – shapes and dimensions. Wonderful resource you have here with all the information.

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