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A tall white bird with black wing tips and long, bright red legs and bill.Least Concern

White Stork

Ciconia ciconia

Also known as: Common Stork

The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a large, long-legged wading bird found across Europe, Africa and Asia. Often associated with open wetlands, farmland and villages, white storks nest on rooftops and chimneys and are famous for their long migratory journeys between Europe and Africa.

Did you know?
White Storks often use the same nest year after year, adding new material each season so nests can become several metres across.

White Stork Quick Facts

Lifespan
10–20 years
Habitat
Wetlands, marshes, meadows, agricultural land
Diet
Insects, amphibians, small mammals, reptiles
Region
Europe, Africa, parts of Asia

Frequently Asked Questions About the White Stork

The White Stork is migratory and is associated with Wetlands, marshes, meadows, agricultural land in Europe, Africa, parts of Asia.

The White Stork can be found in Europe, Africa, parts of Asia and is most often associated with Wetlands, marshes, meadows, agricultural land.

The White Stork feeds on Insects, amphibians, small mammals, reptiles and is considered a carnivore.

The White Stork is currently listed as Least Concern, with a increasing population trend. Main threats include Electrocution, Intensive farming, Drainage.

The White Stork is usually gregarious/pairs.

The White Stork is typically diurnal.

The main threats facing the White Stork include Electrocution, Intensive farming, and Drainage.

The White Stork population trend is currently increasing.

Well-known places to look for the White Stork include Alsace (France) and Extremadura (Spain).

Natural predators of the White Stork include Large eagles (at nests).

Symbol of good luck and the bringer of babies in European folklore.

The White Stork is part of the Ciconiidae family and a Ciconiiformes order.

The White Stork weighs about 3.5 kg, stands around 115 cm tall, reaches about 120 cm in length, and has a wingspan of about 185 cm.

The White Stork can reach speeds of around 45 km/h.