Leptoptilos crumeniferus; Print; The marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumenifer) is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. It breeds in Africa south of the Sahara; in both wet and arid habitats; often near human habitation; especially landfill sites. It is sometimes called the "undertaker bird" due to its shape from behind: cloak-like wings and back; skinny white legs; and sometimes a large white mass of "hair".; 1700-1880