African openbill

The African openbill is a species of stork from the family Ciconiidae. It is widely distributed in Sub-Saharan Africa and western regions of Madagascar. This species is considered common to locally abundant across its range, although it has a patchy distribution. Some experts consider there to be two sub-species, A. l. lamelligerus distributed on the continent and A. l. madagascariensis living on the island of Madagascar. Scientists distinguish between the two sub-species due to the more pronounced longitudinal ridges on the bills of adult A. l. madagascariensis. The Asian openbill found in Asia is the African openbill's closest relative. The two species share the same notably large bill of a peculiar shape that gives them their name.

Distribution

Region

Sub-Saharan Africa and western Madagascar

Typical Environment

Found across a wide sweep of Sub-Saharan Africa wherever suitable freshwater wetlands occur, including floodplains, marshes, swamps, and the margins of lakes and slow rivers. It also inhabits rice paddies and seasonally inundated grasslands. The species is closely tied to areas with abundant freshwater mollusks. On Madagascar it occurs mainly in western lowlands and wetland systems. Roosting typically occurs in trees near water.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size80–94 cm

Wing Span150–170 cm

Male Weight1.3 kg

Female Weight1.2 kg

Life Expectancy15 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

This stork’s namesake bill has a distinct gap even when closed, an adaptation for gripping and extracting aquatic snails and mussels. It often tracks seasonal rains and floods, gathering in large groups where wetlands are productive. Two subspecies are sometimes recognized, with the Madagascar form showing more pronounced bill ridges. Despite being widespread, it can be patchy and highly dependent on healthy freshwater wetlands.

Gallery

African openbill in flight

Iridescent feathers of the African openbill

An adult African openbill foraging for snails in the water

Freshwater wetland

African openbill in a spread wing sunning posture

An African openbill in its nest

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

soaring glider with steady wingbeats; often uses thermals

Social Behavior

Usually seen in small groups to large flocks, especially where wetlands are seasonally productive. Breeds colonially, nesting in trees often over or near water. Pairs defend small areas around the nest but forage communally in nearby shallows. Post-breeding, birds may move widely in response to changing water levels.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Generally quiet for a stork; vocalizations are limited to low croaks and grunts near colonies. Bill-clattering is common during courtship and at the nest and serves as an important communication signal.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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