African openbill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids African openbill
On the bank of the Zambezi, Zimbabwe
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Ciconiiformes
Family:	Ciconiidae
Genus:	Anastomus
Species:	A. lamelligerus
Binomial name
Anastomus lamelligerus Temminck, 1823
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The African openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus) is a special type of stork that belongs to the family Ciconiidae. This bird lives naturally in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, which is the area of Africa south of the Sahara Desert.

What Does the African Openbill Look Like?

The African openbill is a medium-sized bird. It usually grows to be about 80–94 cm (31–37 inches) tall. It weighs around 1 to 1.3 kg (2.2–2.9 pounds).

Adult Birds

Adult openbills have mostly dark feathers. These feathers often shine with glossy green, brown, and purple colors, especially on their back and chest. They have a large, brownish bill that is very unique. Their legs are black, and their eyes are grey.

Young Birds

Young African openbills, called juveniles, look a bit different from the adults. Their feathers are duller and more brown. They also have areas with pale feather tips.

Images for kids

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  African Openbill in flight

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  Iridescent feathers of the African Openbill

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  An adult African Openbill foraging for snails in the water

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  Freshwater wetland

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  African Openbill in a spread wing sunning posture

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  An African Openbill in its nest

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  Close up of head

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  Juvenile African Openbill

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  African Openbill holding a snail with the tip of its bill

See also

In Spanish: Picotenaza africano para niños