The Abdim's stork is the smallest of all storks but at an average length of 81 cm or 32 inches, it is still a very large bird. The female is slightly smaller than the male.

The plumage is mostly black except for the white underparts. It has grey long legs, red knees and feet and a grey bill. It has red facial skin next to the eye and, during the breeding season, it has blue skin near the bill