White stork

Ciconia ciconia

Size: Wingspan 1.6–2.2 m · 2.3–4.5 kg
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Diurnal
Sociality: Loose group
Lifespan: 8-25 years

The white stork is a large stork of Europe, western Asia, and Africa. Diurnal birds migrate in loose groups using rising air.

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Key facts

White stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a carnivore animal classified as Bird · Ciconiiformes · Ciconiidae.
Primary habitats are freshwater · grassland, with a range across Palearctic · Afrotropical.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is loose group, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The white stork is a large stork of Europe, western Asia, and Africa.
It uses wetlands, grasslands, farmland, river edges, and villages.
Typical lifespan: 8-25 years

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It uses wetlands, grasslands, farmland, river edges, and villages. Open feeding ground and elevated nest sites are important.

Appearance

Wingspan is about 155-215 cm and weight about 2.3-4.5 kg. White plumage, black flight feathers, red bill and legs, and extended-neck flight are typical.

Behavior

Active by day, it walks while searching for prey and soars on thermals during migration. Breeding birds may return to roof or tower nests.

Feeding

It is carnivorous, eating insects, frogs, small mammals, reptiles, and similar prey. It picks animals from grassland and wet ground.

Reproduction

Pairs use large stick nests and may repair them year after year. Adults share guarding and bring food to the chicks.

Notes

Its status is listed as Least Concern. Farming practices, wetland management, and migration-route safety shape local populations.