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A contribution to the ecology and reproductive biology of the Marabou stork ( Leptoptilos crumeniferus ) in East Africa
Author(s) -
Kahl M. P.
Publication year - 1966
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1966.tb02952.x
Subject(s) - carrion , biology , nest (protein structural motif) , ecology , seasonal breeder , breed , stork , population , breeding pair , burrow , zoology , demography , biochemistry , sociology
Marabous are common scavengers in regions where game or domestic animals are abundant or near human settlements. Adults are able to subsist for long periods on a diet of carrion, but the rapidly growing nestlings require a high‐calcium diet containing some small whole vertebrates, such as fish or frogs. Most breeding colonies are situated near a source of carrion as well as a freshwater feeding area. Breeding generally takes place in the dry season, when aquatic vertebrates are concentrated and carrion is easier to obtain. Observations are presented on the various phases of the breeding cycle. The incubation period averaged 30–3 days, and the young stayed in the nest an average of 116 days before their first flight. Parents commonly bring water, as well as food, to young in the nests. Only a small percentage of the population appears to breed in any given year, and the rate of productivity is low; some birds must live to be very old. Population size is probably controlled by food availability and its influence on reproductive success.