Jabiru on the flood plains

Jabiru enjoying the plentiful bounty of April at the billabongDescription The Black-necked Stork, or Jabiru, is the only stork found in Australia. Standing at a height of 129 - 137 cm, with black and white body plumage, glossy dark green and purple neck and massive black bill, it is easily distinguished from all other Australian birds. The legs are long and coral-red in colour. The female is distinguished by its yellow eye. Immature birds resemble adults, but the black plumage is replaced by brown and the white plumage is duskier. Distribution and Habitat This species is restricted mainly to coastal and near-coastal areas of northern and eastern Australia. Throughout the monsoonal areas of northern Australia, the Black-necked Stork is still widespread, but fewer numbers appear southwards to eastern Australia. In the past the species was found in much of eastern New South Wales, but is now extinct throughout much of this area. The range of the Black-necked Stork has been reduced with the modification of floodplains and tall reedbeds for agriculture, mining and human settlement. The Black-necked Stork inhabits wetlands, such as floodplains of rivers with large shallow swamps and pools, and deeper permanent bodies of water. Occasionally individuals will stray into open grass, woodland areas or flooded paddocks in search of food. Outside the breeding season, small family groups may be seen. These groups may be partially nomadic or may stay in the same area. Food and feeding