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Marabou Storks possess hollow leg and toe bones. In such a large bird, this is an important adaptation for flight.
These birds secure much of their food by scavenging. They are attracted to lion kills, domestic stockyards, plowed fields, and rubbish piles.
Marabou Storks are also attracted to grass fires and will march in front of the advancing fire to grab any fleeing animals.
These storks may associate with herds of large mammals in order to catch insects disturbed by their movements.
These birds have been known to feed on adult flamingoes.
These storks need to eat more than 700 g (1.6 lbs.) of food a day.
The pouch on their throat is not used for food storage and may be used during courtship.
Marabou Storks nest in the dry season when carrion and evaporating pools that contain the natural prey necessary to raise their young are available.
Marabou Storks are known to consume carrion. They break through the thick hides of large, deceased mammals with their powerful beak. This helps to speed up the decomposition process and allows for other weaker scavengers to have access to the carcass. In addition, they are important predators, frequently seen standing on termite mounds ingesting swarming insects. In turn, these birds themselves are prey for large carnivores.
This species is hunted and traded at traditional medicine markets in Nigeria.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums recognizes Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as the first to successfully breed this species.
