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Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus)



Other names:
Afrikaans: Wolnekooievaar
German: Wollhalsstorch
French: Cigogne épiscopale
Portuguese: Cegonha-episcopal
Dutch: Bisschopsooievaar

The Woolly-necked Stork is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae.

It is a widespread tropical species which breeds in Africa, and also in Asia from India to Indonesia. It is a resident breeder in wetlands with trees. The large stick nest is built in a forest tree, and 2-5 eggs form the typical clutch. This stork is usually silent, but indulges in mutual bill-clattering when adults meet at the nest.

Woolly-necked Stork is a broad winged soaring bird, which relies on moving between thermals of hot air for sustained long distance flight. Like all storks, it flies with its neck outstretched.

It is large bird, typically 85cm tall. It is all black except for the woolly white neck and white lower belly. The upperparts are glossed dark green, and the breast and belly have a purple hue. Juvenile birds are duller versions of the adult.

The Woolly-necked Stork walks slowly and steadily on the ground seeking its prey, which like that of most of its relatives, consists of frogs, lizards and large insects. African birds are attracted to bush fires.

The bird derives its scientific species name from the black and white vestments formerly worn by clerics.

I have never seen this beautiful bird in the KNP. Can anyone tell me some sites where they may be found (in December)?

I have found that the Shingwedzi area is quite a good spot to view these birds. The gravel loop adjacent to the main tar between Shingwedzi and Sirheni is a hotspot.

But I have seen them as far down as the Satara region.

Seen at Leeupan this March ..

I saw some at Nhlanganzwani Dam (s107 off s28) and then again at Mlondozi picnic site dam - Sept 2006.

At Biyamiti Weir:

Saw a pair in a tree during our 2nd day's walk. They flew off before I could get a decent photo.

Have also seen it at Shitlhave Dam (near Pretoriuskop) in April 06.

Seen on H4-1 wading in the long reeds. Very cool bird

Saw them a few times last week. Can't remember where, think one was the low bridge over the Sand river.

Seen sunbathing at the Biyamiti Weir last month.

We have also seen Goliath Herons holding their wings in a similar way while sunbathing.

Large View

This at Jones' Dam in KNP on Saturday



(Pic courtesy of evie.)

I would like to find out what the status is from the Wooly-necked stork in Kruger Park and in general.

Can anyone update me on this one?

What do you mean Greg? Every trip we go on we see them several times each trip so I would say they are doing okay in Kruger.

o.k. Thanx,

I asked because I went to Kruger for the 3th time (This time for a whole week) and it's only the first time I saw them.

But thanx again !

We don't see them very often, I think we've seen them only twice in Kruger.