This is a very large stork with a large, black and slightly upturned bill. In flight it is majestic which is not a word used to describe its rather clumsy take-off.

It inhabits freshwater marshes and open country where there are ponds and lakes. It feeds on fish, frogs, snakes, young caimans etc., and can be quite energetic in pursuit of its prey jumping up and down in the water.

It can be found in suitable habitat from Mexico through to northern Argentina. It builds conspicuous large nests, which get bigger every year that the birds return.