Jabiru mycteria is a stork native to Central and South America, from Mexico to Uruguay, occurring most commonly in Brazil and Paraguay. They are the tallest flying bird in South America, reaching up to 5 ft (1.5m) in height. They live in groups in wetland and riparian habitats, eating mostly fish, mollusks, and amphibians. Jabiru mycteria is the only member of the Jabiru genus.
Males establish a nest of sticks 15-30m up a tree and are approached by females. Pairs are monogamous throughout the breeding season and sometimes across seasons. They show parental investment by both sexes and rearing chicks is sufficiently difficult that these birds tend to mate every other breeding season.
Rights Holder: Rachel Sargent
