| Common name | Black-necked stork (jabiru) |
| Scientific name | Ehippiorhynchus asiaticus |
| Type | Aves (Bird) |
| Diet | Carnivorous, feeding mainly on fish, crustaceans, amphibians and insects |
| Average lifespan | Up to 30 years in the wild |
| Size | Up to 1.3m tall; wingspan; weighs about 4kg |
The black-necked stork is actually two subspecies: Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus asiaticus (which occurs across India and Southeast Asia) and Ehippiorhynchus asiaticus australis (which is found in Australia and New Guinea).
In Australia, these birds – also known as jabirus – are often seen alone or in pairs in wetlands across the country’s north and east.
With a black bill, long red legs punctuated by knobbly knees, a black-and-white body and a slender neck covered in iridescent green-and-purple plumage, Australia’s only native stork has a striking appearance. Males have dark brown eyes, while females have yellow-golden eyes.
Habitat
The black-necked stork occurs across a range of wetland habitats, including floodplains, swamps, billabongs, creeks and rivers. It forages for prey in shallow waters 5cm–30cm deep.
Distribution
The black-necked stork is found across coastal and near-coastal areas in northern and eastern Australia and is especially abundant in the monsoonal areas of Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. It was once commonly found in eastern New South Wales, but populations have now declined or become locally extinct across much of its former range.
Conservation status
Although not federally listed as a threatened species under the EPBC Act, the black-necked stork is listed as Endangered in New South Wales, because populations have significantly declined – or become extinct – in the southern parts of its range.
Threats
Habitat loss, pollution and wetland drainage for agriculture and development have contributed to local population decreases. Powerlines are another notable threat; electrocution and collision while flying is a significant cause of mortality in the species. Habitat loss has reduced the available suitable nesting trees, so many black-necked storks build their nests high in powerlines.
Reproduction
The black-necked stork’s breeding season takes place from March to May in northern Australia, and from May to January in New South Wales. Breeding pairs – who typically bond for several years, possibly for life – build large nests in tall trees near waterbodies, producing a clutch size for 2–4 eggs per breeding season. Both parents are actively involved in caring for their offspring.
Fascinating fact
Black-necked storks communicate through guttural grunts and snapping their bills.
