A symbol of the wetlands across Central and South America. This stork is one of the largest birds in the Americas, and its appearance is as striking as its size. The Jabiru’s large, slightly upturned black bill is one of its most distinctive features, perfectly designed for catching a variety of prey. The bird’s bare black head and neck are contrasted by a distinctive red band at the base, which can swell and brighten in color during courtship or as a sign of agitation.
Jabirus are typically found wading in shallow waters of swamps, ponds, marshes, and rivers from Mexico all the way down to Argentina. Unlike many bird species, they do not migrate, but instead, they have adapted to a variety of wetland habitats across a broad geographic range. Their preference for wetlands is related to their diet, which mainly consists of fish, amphibians, mollusks, and occasionally small mammals and reptiles. The Jabiru’s foraging strategy often involves standing still and waiting for prey to come within reach or slowly stalking through the shallows to surprise unsuspecting fish.
Socially, Jabirus can occasionally be seen foraging in groups, especially during periods when food is abundant. These “fishing parties” can become quite competitive, with birds sometimes pilfering catches from one another, particularly during the dry season when food resources are more scarce.
The nesting behavior of the Jabiru is particularly notable. These storks build massive nests, often atop tall trees or even on man-made structures, which are reused and enlarged each year. The nest can become quite large over time as new layers are added.
Jabirus are sensitive to human disturbance, particularly near their nesting sites. They require undisturbed wetlands to breed successfully, and as such, they are indicators of the health of their ecosystems. Where Jabirus thrives, it often means that the wetland ecosystem is also healthy.
Distribution
Argentina
Belize
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
El Salvador
French Guiana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Honduras
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Trinidad & Tobago
United States
Uruguay
VenezuelaDid you know?
- The red skin swells like a bladder when a bird gets wounded, enraged, or even excited, changing color to intensely scarlet.
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
