Abdim’s Stork

More Information

Physical Description

Abdim’s storks are long-limbed birds with black feathers accented by white portions under their wings. They have a blue face with a bright red patch around each eye. Among the smallest storks, these birds still stand nearly three feet tall, although females are slightly smaller than males. In some regions, Abdim’s storks are known as “grasshopper birds” due to their pechant for eating grasshoppers. They also eat locusts, caterpillars, small reptiles, amphibians, mice, crabs, and eggs.

Interesting Fact 1

Abdim’s storks congregate in large flocks of up to 10,000 birds.

Interesting Fact 2

In spring, they migrate north to follow the rain, earning them the nickname “rain-bringers.”

Interesting Fact 3

Like other storks, these birds defecate on their own legs, which helps them maintain body temperature via evaporative cooling.