African Openbill
Anastomus lamelligerus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="anastomus-lamelligerus"></birdfyi-bird>The African Openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus) is a bird species in the family Ciconiidae (storks), within the order Ciconiiformes (storks). Recorded measurements include a wingspan of 78.8 cm and a weight of 1 kg. The IUCN Red List classifies it as Least Concern.
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About
72–90 cm. All-black plumage with gloss; distinctive large bill with a gap between mandibles adapted for extracting apple snails. Resident across sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar in wetlands, rivers, and rice paddies. Feeds almost exclusively on molluscs. Colonial breeder in trees near water.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Wingspan | 78.8 cm | 31.0 in |
| Weight | 1014.0 g | 35.77 oz |
Habitat & Range
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: PL. Incubation: 25-30 days. Fledging: 50-55 days.
Clutch Size
3-5
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes (Storks) |
| Family | Ciconiidae (Storks) |
| Genus | Anastomus |
| Species | Anastomus lamelligerus |
Distribution
African Openbill has been recorded in 3 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the African Openbill endangered?
How does the African Openbill nest?
How big is the African Openbill?
What order and family does the African Openbill belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Ciconiidae family