African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus

African Openbill
African Openbill
The African Openbill, also called African Open-billed Stork, is so named as its bill does not close completely. The lower mandible is curved, so does not close tightly with the straighter upper beak.
African Openbill with giant African land snail
African Open-billed Stork with snail
African Openbill with snail
It is said this curved, pointed lower bill allows the bird to extract snails (Giant African Land Snails) and water molluscs from their shells.
African Openbill
African Open-billed Stork
African Openbill
It has black plumage, iridescent on its upper back, "shoulders" and wings.
African Openbill
African Openbill
African Openbill
The Openbill is native to much of sub-Saharan Africa.