The marabou stork is a scavenger, sometimes flying with vultures to seek carcasses. It is usually silent but has a croaking alarm call and, when breeding, claps its bill and makes a variety of grunting sounds. The marabou stork is not active for much of the day, resting with its bill cushioned on the fleshy pouch. The purpose of this throat pouch is not certain; it may be for display, for cooling or it may be for supporting the beak.