What is a jabiru?
In Australia, jabiru is the common name for the black-necked stork, the only stork native to Australia. It is a tall wading bird with a glossy black and green neck, white body and long red legs.
Jabirus are found in wetlands across northern and eastern Australia, especially in the tropical north. They stand up to about 1.3 metres tall and have a wingspan of around two metres.
They feed in shallow water on fish, frogs, crabs, snakes and insects. They stalk prey slowly and then strike quickly with their long bills.
Name and identification
The name jabiru was originally used for a different stork species in South America. In Australia, it has become the common name for the black-necked stork.
Males have dark brown eyes, while females have bright yellow eyes. Pairs often stay together and build large stick nests in trees.
The town of Jabiru in Kakadu National Park is named after the bird. Jabirus are a popular sight for birdwatchers visiting the Top End's wetlands.
Jabirus are also found in parts of Asia and New Guinea. In Australia, they are listed as endangered in New South Wales because of wetland loss.