Details
Ciconia ciconia
The white stork is a large stork of Europe, western Asia, and Africa. Diurnal birds migrate in loose groups using rising air.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses wetlands, grasslands, farmland, river edges, and villages. Open feeding ground and elevated nest sites are important.
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.
Active by day, it walks while searching for prey and soars on thermals during migration. Breeding birds may return to roof or tower nests.
It is carnivorous, eating insects, frogs, small mammals, reptiles, and similar prey. It picks animals from grassland and wet ground.
Pairs use large stick nests and may repair them year after year. Adults share guarding and bring food to the chicks.
Its status is listed as Least Concern. Farming practices, wetland management, and migration-route safety shape local populations.
