This is the largest stork of the Americas. It is also the largest flying bird of the continent. It can grow up to 5.0 ft tall and has a wing span of 9.2 ft (only the Condor has longer wings). Two of its characteristics are a sable-shaped bill and a remarkable black-red gular sac that can be inflated during courtship. The latter phenomenon has actually given it its name. In the Guaraní language, which is spoken right at the core of the jabiru territory, the word jabirú means 'swollen neck'. While this stork was being photographed, it released droppings through its cloaca, which in the picture appear like a fine, white line with a knob.