Brazil: Pantanal – Jabiru Stork
Jabiru stork can be considered the symbol of Pantanal as the bird is most abundant here. Jabiru is the tallest flying bird in South America (second only to flightless rhea), standing up to 140cm/55in tall. It has also the second largest wingspan of up to 2.8m/9.2ft (only Andean condor is bigger). The word “jabiru” means “swollen neck” in the indigenous Guarani Indian language. The birds are simply beautiful when seen on the green Pantanal wetlands or in the trees. Their nests are massive and 2-5 chicks hatch in August-September. This time of year, you can even see fluffy grey chicks poking their necks for food.
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