The maguari Stork
The Maguari, the showy "stork" of the Venezuelan llanos, is the second species in size after the Jabiru and followed by the Wood Ibis. These three species are the largest, of the long-legged storks, ibises, cranes and herons, a bird group specialized in fishing in the shallow river waters, caños, lagoons, mud flats and tidelands of the llanos. The smallest herons prefer the shallow bajío mud flats water. In the estero, with deeper water, only the long legged species like the Maguari or the Jabiru can fish snugly assisted by their very long legs, strong, acute peaks and pervasive look. Patiently they wade the water to sight the fish and to seize them with accuracy. The stork of the llanos, locally called Gabán Peonío, is a portentous bird of snowy white plumage, with black tail and black wing flaps and tips. The skin around the eye is of a coral-reddish color. The long and slender legs are also coral-red. The beak is grayish, long and very acute. Nesting occurs during the rainy season, giving company to the Jabiru, the blue and great herons, the snowy egret and other species in the rookeries. Their nests, built and cared by the couple, allow the breeding of up to three young birds, whose initial black color and unattractive aspect withhold much of the beauty and the elegance of the adults. Previous | Next Related linksOther destinations in Fauna: |
