Flight of the Jabiru Stork Belize

the flight of the Jabiru Stork (Jabiru mycteria) In Belize
Jabiru, (species Jabiru mycteria), a typical stork of the New World, ranging from Mexico to Argentina. The jabiru belongs to the stork family, Ciconiidae (order Ciconiiformes). It is mostly white, with the naked skin of the head and upper neck black and red. The unusually heavy bill is slightly upturn.
Although jabiru are found in all these countries, it is most common in the wetland regions of Brazil and Paraguay ("Storks (Ciconiidae)"). Jabiru can be found in savannas, costal lagoons and marshes . They usually live in large groups and prefer wetlands and riparian habitats.
Its unusual name comes from a word in a Tupi-Guaraní language, meaning "swollen neck". This is the original jabiru, whilst the other species are imitations, having the same head and neck colouration, which is the reason they were given the same name.
Its body feathering is white and the skin on the head is hairless and black in color, which blends in with its beak. It has a little white mohawk on top of its head. Jabiru males have a straighter beak than females. The upper portion of its neck is black; the lower portion of its neck lays a scarlet red colored band of skin that is about 7-8 cm in length. Both males and females have black legs and feet; males are distinctively larger than females.
The Jabiru Stork, the tallest standing bird in the Americas at 5 feet in height and an 8 foot wingspan, is the largest bird in Belize.. Its heavy bill is about 12 inches long and perfectly designed to catch fish, frogs and snakes. The jabiru is also the tallest flying bird found in South America and Central America, often standing nearly the same height as the flightless and thus much heavier greater rhea.
When Jabiru Storks reproduce, they are considered monogamous. They are considered seasonal breeders, oviparous, and reproduce sexually. Males establish a nest of sticks 15-30m up a treetop and are approached by females. Females usually lays 3-4 eggs and incubation lasts about one month. They receive parental care from both sexes and nurturing chicks are so tough to where birds tend to mate every other breeding season.
Jabiru can be quite social in its behavior although it doesn’t appear in massive numbers. Birds usually feed in the same location depending on preys existing ("Jabiru"). Jabirus have a pleasant way of greeting one another. When they greet, they face one another while in their nests, holding their necks upright and heads high; they rattle their beaks very quick and loud while waving their necks from side to side and moving their heads up and down. When their throat sac gets expanded, this shows other birds that they’re eager and excited. Although they have a wingspan of about 8 feet, their flapping is rather slow, flapping at about 180 flaps per minute (McKinley). They also take their timing when walking and walk slowly; they only use a slight speed when searching for a prey.
There has been a recent study that defines Belize, Central America as the healthiest breeding population of jabiru for all of Central America. They migrate from Mexico and arrive to Belize in the month of November and nest in the tall pines of the savannas and marshes of the Belizean lowlands. Jabiru stay in Belize until June or July. They leave after the first rain rushes through and continue their migration flying up north
Key Facts
Size: 60 inches tall; 96 inch wingspan
Range: S. Mexico to N. Argentina
Habitat: Savannas, coastal lagoons and marshes
Food: Fish, crustaceans, and reptiles
Video of "The Flight of the Jabiru Stork In Belize" Captured by: Sterling N. On Property at Belize Boutique Resort And Spa. Belize Boutique Resort And Spa is a secluded Resort and Adventure Spa located on the Historic Pan American Highway. The Resort’s seclusion is ideal for wildlife and the presence of the somewhat resident Jabiru stork, as well as several other species of birds including the national bird of Belize - the Keeled bill toucans, flocks of parrots, herons… Several hummingbirds can be seen around the garden area of the resort. #belize #wildlifephotography #birding #jabiru #jabirustork #birdphotography #belizeresort