African Openbill vs Saddle-billed Stork

Anastomus lamelligerus compared with Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute African Openbill Saddle-billed Stork
Scientific Name Anastomus lamelligerus Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis
Order Ciconiiformes Ciconiiformes
Family Ciconiidae Ciconiidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length — —
Wingspan 78.8 cm (31.0 in) 123.4 cm (48.6 in)
Weight 1014.0 g (35.77 oz) 6089.8 g (214.81 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 3-5 1-5
Population Trend — —

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

African Openbill only

Saddle-billed Stork only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

African Openbill

Least Concern

Saddle-billed Stork

About These Birds

African Openbill

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.

Saddle-billed Stork

145–150 cm. Very tall; black and white plumage; large brightly coloured bill with yellow saddle, red base, and black tip. Eyes yellow (female) or brown (male). Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa beside rivers and lakes. Feeds on fish and frogs; solitary nester; one of Africa's most spectacular birds.

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