# Jabiru (*Jabiru mycteria*)

> The jabiru (Jabiru mycteria) is the tallest flying bird of the Americas, with a massive black bill and white body patrolling Neotropical wetlands. Adults reach about 1.4 m tall and 8 kg, range from Mexico to Argentina, and are listed Least Concern.

- **Category:** Bird
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Wetlands from Mexico through Central America to Argentina.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/jabiru/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Aves
- **Order:** Ciconiiformes
- **Family:** Ciconiidae
- **Genus:** Jabiru

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Jabiru mycteria |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Flooded savannas and rivers |
| Lifespan | 25–30 years |
| Weight | 6–9 kg |
| Top speed | up to 40 km/h |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Tallest stork of the Americas

Jabirus stand nearly 1.5 m with broad wings suited to soaring between distant wetlands. A featherless red band at the neck base and a heavy black bill make adults unmistakable.

## Fish, snakes, and carrion

They seize fish, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals in shallow water, and will scavenge carrion. Pairs defend large territories around nest trees.

## Flooded savannas of the Neotropics

Wetlands from Mexico through Central America into the Pantanal and Amazon basin and south to northern Argentina. Seasonal flooding concentrates prey and drives nesting timing.

## Wetland guardians

Least Concern where large wetlands remain protected. Ranchers in the Pantanal often tolerate jabirus as indicators of healthy floodplain systems.

## Frequently asked questions

### How tall is a jabiru?

Up to about 1.4–1.5 m — the tallest flying bird in the Americas.

### Where is the best place to see jabirus?

Brazil's Pantanal and other large Neotropical wetlands during the flood season.

### What does the red neck band mean?

It is bare skin that can flush brighter during display or when the bird is excited.

### Do jabirus migrate?

They wander with water levels rather than making long regular migrations, following seasonal floods.

### Are jabirus related to wood storks?

Both are storks in Ciconiidae, but jabirus are far larger and range through Latin America.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/jabiru/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.