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The saddle-billed stork slowly wades through shallow water as it probes with its bill for fish and other underwater creatures. It quickly strikes to grasp or impale fish with its sharp bill. It often washes the prey in the water before swallowing it head-first.

side view of a saddle bill stork

Did You Know?

One of the largest storks, the saddle-billed stork has an upturned bill and long legs that help it stalk and catch aquatic prey.

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis

Range:
Central Africa

Habitat:
Freshwater marshes, rivers, floodplains and lake shores

Length:
4.4 to 4.9 ft

Lifespan:
12 yrs

Zoo Location:
Africa

Diet:
Mainly fish, some other small aquatic creatures, insects and carrion