Marabou Stork

Leptoptilos crumenifer

Standing up to 1.5 meters tall with a bald, scabby head and a pendulous pink throat sac, the Marabou Stork won't win any beauty contests. This massive scavenger is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, often found near landfills and slaughterhouses. Despite its ungainly appearance, it soars gracefully on thermals with a wingspan rivaling the Andean Condor.