Openbill stork

Silberklaffschnabel ( Anastomus oscitans )

The genus of Klaffschnabel ( Anastomus ) comprises two species, the Mohrenklaffschnabel ( Anastomus lamelligerus ) and the Silberklaffschnabel ( Anastomus oscitans ).

Habitat

The Mohrenklaffschnabel is mainly found in South Africa and Madagascar, whereas the Silberklaffschnabel mainly lives in Southeast Asia.

Appearance

Open billed stork have shiny metallic springs. The Mohrenklaffschnabel has a completely black plumage, the Silberklaffschnabel is also mainly black, but he also has a few white feathers. Between lower mandible and upper beak is a gap, which is used for the detention of mussel shells at the Klaffschnäbeln.

Food

Predominantly open billed stork eat small molluscs, such as mussels, snails or crabs.

Reproduction

A Klaffschnabel can raise up to three young birds a year. When the young fledge, dragging their parents over the equator and spend the dry season, along with other Klaffschnäbeln.