White Stork
Ciconia ciconia
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Ciconia ciconia
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Mass
~3 kg
Habitat
Grasslands and meadows
Diet
Omnivore
How to recognize it
The White Stork has an easy, upright presence, with a strong contrast between its pale body and dark wing tips. Near people, it often looks calm and statuesque until it starts to stride off or breaks into bill-clattering.
Its main sound is a loud rattling of the bill, especially in pair greeting and around the nest. It flies high with its neck stretched forward and legs trailing, then moves on the ground with slow, steady steps before darting quickly at prey.
It prefers low meadows, marshy places, and spots close to human settlements. It feeds on frogs, toads, snakes, large insects, worms, and small mammals, and many populations leave for Africa or India in winter, while some stay in warmer areas year-round.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The White Stork has an easy, upright presence, with a strong contrast between its pale body and dark wing tips. Near people, it often looks calm and statuesque until it starts to stride off or breaks into bill-clattering.
Its main sound is a loud rattling of the bill, especially in pair greeting and around the nest. It flies high with its neck stretched forward and legs trailing, then moves on the ground with slow, steady steps before darting quickly at prey.
It prefers low meadows, marshy places, and spots close to human settlements. It feeds on frogs, toads, snakes, large insects, worms, and small mammals, and many populations leave for Africa or India in winter, while some stay in warmer areas year-round.
How to recognize it
Sources
- eBird — Ciconia ciconia Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — White stork Encyclopedia article