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| The Jabiru's scientific name is derived from the Greek terms 'xenos' meaning strange and 'rhynchos' meaning beak plus the latin term 'asiaticus' meaning Asiatic or of Asia. Australia's only stork, the bird's common name is the Black-necked Stork and it is also known as the Policeman-bird. Jabiru's are found in Northern and Eastern Australia, from the Fitzroy River in north-western Australia to south-eastern New South Wales. It is is much rarer in the south. They are occassionally found in Victoria although this is though to occur only when the bird accidentally navigates off-course. The Jabiru is also native to southern Asia and New Guinea. |  |
 | Unlike most other storks throughout the world, the Jabiru is solitary in its habits. Jabiru's are found singly, in pairs or small parties, frequenting swamps, salt-water creeks, tidal flats, and lagoons. The bird is generally seen stalking quietly about seeking its prey, every now and again jumping along with great strides and jabbing at fish with its huge bill. Adult females have yellow eyes while males have dark eyes. The voice, rarely heard, is a dull booming. The bird's main expression is a clapping of the mandibles. Fish, crabs and carrion are the Jabiru's main diet. Their nest, located in a low tree in a swamp or in a tall forest tree, is comprised of a large collection of sticks and twigs, on which a quantity of grass or rushes is laid. Occasionally, the nest is located on the ground. Two to four (sometimes five) whitish eggs are laid which can become nest-stained. The breeding season is usually from February to October, but can be brought on at any time after heavy rain. |
Sources:
Neville W. Cayley's 'What Bird is That' - 1931.
Australia's Wilderness Heritage - Flora & Fauna, 1988.
The Jabiru is featured on the following Australian coins:
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