Ciconia maguari
The Maguari Stork (Ciconia maguari) is a magnificent, large wading bird of South American wetlands, easily recognized by its predominantly white plumage starkly contrasted by iridescent black primary and secondary flight feathers. Standing about 110-120 cm (43-47 in) tall with an impressive wingspan of 160-180 cm (63-71 in) and weighing 3.5-4.5 kg (7.7-9.9 lbs), it is a commanding presence in its habitat. Distinctive field marks include its straight, greyish-black bill, long reddish-pink legs...
Primarily inhabits extensive freshwater wetlands, including flooded grasslands, marshes, swamps, and agricultural fields at low elevations, typically below 500 meters.
Their diet is diverse, primarily consisting of fish, frogs, snakes, large insects, small mammals, crustaceans, and other aquatic invertebrates, primarily caught by wading and tactile probing.
Maguari Storks are diurnal, spending their days foraging in shallow waters. They typically roost communally in tall trees or on elevated ground, sometimes on low bushes or even on the ground in open marshes, seeking safety from nocturnal predators. Their foraging strategy is versatile; they wade ...
The Maguari Stork boasts a wide distribution across much of tropical and subtropical South America, primarily east of the Andes. Its breeding range extends from eastern Colombia and Venezuela, through Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, southwards into Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, and nor...
Least Concern
- The Maguari Stork is the only representative of the Ciconia genus native to the Americas, all its close relatives being found in the Old World. - Standing over a meter tall, it is one of the largest flying birds in South America. - Unlike most storks that prefer nesting high in trees, Maguari S...