marabou

Marabou is a term that can refer to several distinct things that share the same name. It most commonly denotes a large African stork, but it can also describe soft feather plumage used in fashion and a Nordic chocolate brand.

Marabou stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus) is a large wading bird of the stork family (Ciconiidae). It is found in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. The bird is among the region’s largest, with a heavy body, long legs, and a bare, often pinkish head and neck. It typically exhibits a dark back with white underparts. A scavenger by habit, it feeds largely on carrion but will take small vertebrates and eggs. Marabou storks nest in trees or on cliffs, often in colonies, and commonly lay two to three eggs.

Marabou feathers refer to soft, downy plumes produced by the marabou stork and used in fashion and millinery. The fluffy quality of these feathers made them popular for trims on hats, boas, and costumes, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Because of wildlife protection and trade regulations, marabou plumes are increasingly sourced from managed sources or from alternative species when available.

Marabou is also a chocolate brand marketed in the Nordic countries, owned by Mondelez International. The brand has a long-standing presence in regional confectionery, offering milk chocolate bars and other sweets.