Have you ever wondered why some birds have featherless skin around their faces? This feature serves several purposes. First it is hygienic (and easier to keep clean). This is useful for carrion-eaters (like vultures) or wader-hunters like this yellow-billed stork (Mycteria ibis). Second, it communicates. When it is ready to breed, the facial skin of this stork turns deeper red, the color of the yellow bill intensifies, the legs turn bright pink, and even the feathers gain a pinkish tinge. Third, and finally, featherless skin helps dissipate heat. I'm not sure that's a big deal with stork faces (!), but it has been noted as a factor with their legs.
All in all, it's a brilliant design.
The yellow-billed stork is commonly found in East Africa. I photographed this one in Tanzania.
If you want to see a yellow-billed stork for yourself, join us next year on safari!
