African Openbill vs Lesser Adjutant
Anastomus lamelligerus compared with Leptoptilos javanicus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | African Openbill | Lesser Adjutant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anastomus lamelligerus | Leptoptilos javanicus |
| Order | Ciconiiformes | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae | Ciconiidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 78.8 cm (31.0 in) | 124.9 cm (49.2 in) |
| Weight | 1014.0 g (35.77 oz) | 4615.0 g (162.79 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | 3-5 | 2-4 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
African Openbill only
Lesser Adjutant only
Conservation Status
Least Concern
African Openbill
Near Threatened
Lesser Adjutant
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.
Lesser Adjutant
110–120 cm. Naked red-yellow head with white ruff; large pale bill. Resident across South and Southeast Asia in wetlands, mangroves, and agricultural areas. Vulnerable; declining due to habitat loss and hunting. Feeds on fish, frogs, and carrion; nests colonially in trees.