Diet

What does the Jabiru eat?

The jabiru is a carnivore. They will feed on a range of reptiles, fish and amphibians. Their prey can be as large as a caiman.

This species has also been seen to scavenge for dead animals. They tend to increase this behavior during the dry season when their preferred prey sources are in short supply. By feeding on dead animals they help to clean up the bodies of water they inhabit.

Their large bill helps them to find food as they swoop it through the water to sense food.

Learn more about the Jabiru in this video from Dr. Gabby Wild on YouTube

Range

Where do you find the Jabiru?

Central and South America is the native home of the jabiru. Here they can be found in the following countries - Argentina; Belize; Bolivia; Brazil; Colombia; Costa Rica; Ecuador; El Salvador; French Guiana; Guatemala; Guyana; Grenada; Honduras; Mexico; Nicaragua; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago; United States; Uruguay and Venezuela.

In some parts of their range they are only present during certain seasons.

This species is a rare vagrant to the United States with birds having been sighted in Texas and Oklahoma.

Habitat

Where can the Jabiru survive?

This species is closely associated with water and can be found in wetland and grassland habitats.

Credit: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Reproduction

How does the Jabiru produce its young?

Breeding takes place from December to May. As a result of the large investment of energy required to raise the chicks they will typically breed once every two years.

Pairs of jabirus are believed to remain together for life. They will perform displays to strengthen their pair bonds. Their displays are performed in the water at breeding grounds and involve wing flapping.

Their nest is a platform which is formed from sticks. It is typically located high in the trees and may be on the crushed top of a palm tree which can cause the death of the tree. They may make use of the same nest across several years.

In to the nest they will deposit a clutch of 2-4 colored eggs. Both the male and female are involved in the incubation period of the eggs.

Young are able to fly for the first time by 15 weeks old. Despite this they require care from their parents for a further three months.

Behavior

What does the Jabiru do during its day?

This species is able to fly. To aid in their take off they will perform a series of small hops. In flight they will hold their neck out in front of them. They may conduct large circles at height.

It is common to see this species in large groups.

While not considered vocal they do produce small vocalizations such as a hiss or fizz. They can also produce sound by clattering their bill.

Credit: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Predators and Threats

What stops the Jabiru from surviving and thriving?

Estimates of the population place it between 20,000 and 85,000 individuals. Their population is currently believed to be stable or suffering through a small decline.

Small numbers are collected for food and the pet trade.

They are also affected by habitat destruction and disturbance of their breeding sites.

Quick facts

The name jabiru is taken from a word used in the Tupi Indian language which means 'swollen neck.'

This species is regularly confused with the Asian Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus).

They were first described for modern science during 1819.

The jabiru is the only member of their genus, Jabiru.

Credit: Francesco Veronesi from Italy, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons