Bird species profile
Maguari Stork
Ciconia maguari
- Order
- Ciconiiformes
- Family
- Ciconiidae
About the species
The Maguari Stork is a large, elegant wading bird native to South America, including the wetlands and grasslands of Patagonia. It stands out with its white body, black wings, and reddish legs. This species is known for its ground-nesting behavior, which is unusual among storks. During the breeding season, pairs perform elaborate courtship displays involving bill-clattering and mutual preening. The Maguari Stork is generally silent but may make bill-clattering sounds at the nest. It is a migratory species in the southern part of its range, moving northward during the austral winter. The Maguari Stork plays an important role in wetland ecosystems by controlling populations of small vertebrates and invertebrates. Although not currently considered threatened, it is sensitive to habitat loss and changes in wetland management.
Habitat
Prefers marshes, flooded grasslands, and shallow wetlands, often in open country or near lakes and rivers.
Foraging
Feeds by walking slowly in shallow water or wet grass, hunting fish, amphibians, insects, and small mammals.
