Jabiru
Jabiru Tour got its name from the Jabiru-stork, Jabiru mycteria,also called Tuiuiú by the “Pantaneiros” (people who live in Pantanal)
The word « jabiru » comes from Tupi language, Yabi’ru which means “long swollen neck”. The Jabiru is the symbol of Pantanal because it is the biggest flying bird in the region and above all, this is a stork that you can observe all year long in Pantanal.
Measurements:
Length/Height: 127-140 cm / 49-55 inches
Wingspan: 230-260 cm / 90-102 inches
Weight: 8 kg
Beak length: 30-33 cm / 11-13 inches
Characteristics for observation
Adult specimens have a white feathering body. Head and neck are black and the throat is red. The Jabiru-stork beak is slightly curved and is totally black. The male and female have the same feathering, but normally the male is taller than the female and its beak is also longer. Immature specimens are grayish and become white gradually.
Habitats :
Jabiru likes humid areas like freshwater swamps and flooded plains. During the dry season in Pantanal, we can see it in shallow water areas, vegetation free, while during the rainy season, we can find the Jabiru-stork in deeper water areas and in floodplains.
Food :
The Jabiru-stork eats mainly fish, eel, aquatic snakes but also small amphibians. Sometimes, it eats young caimans and tortoises.
Nesting :
Jabiru couples are united for life. They build their nest together. The male provides the materials and the female organizes them. The nest is built with mud and wood. The female lays about 3 or 4 eggs and the baby chicks are born after four months of gestation. Both parents male and female, feed their offspring until they are weaned, 90 days after birth.
Geographic distribution :
It is possible to find the Jabiru-stork from Mexico to Northern Argentina and Uruguay, mainly in wetlands.