Definition

Noun: 1. A large African wading bird: The marabou stork is a very large stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) native to Africa, known for its black-and-white plumage, bald head, and long, thick bill. 2. A scavenging bird: It is primarily a carrion-eater, feeding on dead animals, and is often seen around landfills and human settlements.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The marabou stork stood motionless at the water's edge, waiting for a fish.
  • A flock of marabou storks gathered around the carcass on the savanna.
  • Its distinctive silhouette makes the marabou stork easy to identify.

Advanced Usage

• Ecological role: The term is used in ecological contexts to describe an important scavenger that helps clean the environment.
  • As a key scavenger, the marabou stork plays a vital role in the ecosystem's nutrient cycle.
• Ornithological description: Used in scientific writing to describe the bird's physical and behavioral characteristics.
  • The marabou stork's bare head and neck are adaptations for its scavenging habits.

Variants and Related Words

• Marabou (noun): This term can refer specifically to the soft downy feathers from the underwing of this stork, used in fashion trimming.
  • The hat was decorated with marabou.
• Adjutant stork (noun): A former common name for the marabou stork.
• Leptoptilos crumenifer (noun): The scientific (Latin) name for the species.

Synonyms

• Adjutant bird (noun, archaic)
• Carrion stork (noun, descriptive)

Related Phrases

• "Marabou feather": Refers to the soft, white under-wing feather used for decoration.
  • The costume was adorned with marabou feathers.

Noun

1. large African black-and-white carrion-eating stork; its downy underwing feathers are used to trim garments