Least Concern Birds

Saddlebill

Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis

Saddlebill hunts fish and reptiles near African wetlands.

Scientific name	Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis
Swahili name	Mkorongo wa Kifaru
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Ciconiiformes
Family	Ciconiidae
Size	Male: approximately 5.5-7.5 kg, body length about 145-150 cm; female: slightly lighter, weight about 5-6.5 kg

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How to identify

Large and brightly colored bill, red and black with a yellow saddle-shaped patch; plumage mainly sharply divided black and white, wings black, abdomen white; long black legs; long neck, head featherless; red bare skin around the eyes

Habitat

Wetlands, swamps, river edges, lakes, and near open woodland savannas

Diet

Carnivorous, primarily preys on fish, amphibians, small reptiles, and large insects

When it is active

Diurnal, active frequently during the day

Where it lives

Widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania (Masai Mara), Uganda, Congo Basin, among others

How to spot it

Observe at dawn or dusk along wetland edges or shallow water areas, paying attention to its distinctive bright bill coloration; use binoculars or telephoto lens for photography

Photography tips

Use natural light to highlight the bright colors of the bill; choose wetland water reflections as background; maintain distance to avoid disturbance when photographing