About the Yellow Billed Stork
The Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis) is a large wading bird found in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.
Habitat
Yellow-billed Storks inhabit a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They are commonly found in both freshwater and saline environments, where they can find suitable foraging sites and nesting areas. These storks are often seen in both natural and human-altered landscapes, including agricultural areas, urban parks, and wetland reserves.
Length
Yellow-billed Storks are large birds, measuring approximately 90 to 105 centimeters (35 to 41 inches) in length, with a wingspan of about 150 to 165 centimeters (59 to 65 inches). They have a long neck, long legs, and a distinctive yellow bill with a downward curve near the tip. Their plumage is predominantly white, with black flight feathers and a yellow patch on the upper mandible.
Best Viewing
The best places to view Yellow-billed Storks are in wetland habitats with suitable foraging and nesting sites. Look for them wading in shallow water, probing the mud or sand with their bills in search of prey such as fish, frogs, crustaceans, and insects. These storks are often observed in small groups or large flocks, especially during the breeding season when they gather at communal nesting colonies.