Woolly-necked Stork is an uncommon bird in Tanzania. Although an impressively sized stork, this species is dwarfed by the much larger Marabou. See lower photo showing the two species together. On adults the dark on the head is confined to the front part of
the crown and face. The bird is named for the soft woolly feathering on its head and neck. Sexes are similar.
African birds are C. e. microscelis. The nominate race is larger with pink legs and different face pattern. It occurs in India and Asia. A third race with a mostly pink bill is confined to Java and Wallacea.
A recently proposed split using quantitative methods for allopatric populations advocated by Tobias et al (2010) would elevate Asian Wooly-necked Stork to the status of a full species which would likely qualify for listing as vulnerable. Under this proposal, African birds would become C. microscelis.
Nikon P510 Coolpix Point-and-shoot