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Scientific Name : Ciconia ciconia
White storks nest in central and eastern Europe, spending the winter in Africa. About one quarter of the population of white storks live in Poland.
Storks seem to prefer to build their nests on tall buildings, although they do sometimes nest in trees or on cliffs. They feed in meadows, swamps, ditches and riverbanks.
They are carnivorous birds which feed on a large variety of small creatures. Their diet usually includes frogs, lizards, mice, large insects and small snakes.
Storks build big untidy nests out of sticks. 3 - 5 eggs are laid by the female and are kept warm by both parents. The chicks stay in the nest until they are at least two months old, during which time both parents bring them food.
Storks pair for life and return to the same nest year after year. When returning to the nest after feeding they greet each other by stretching back their heads and making a loud clattering noise with their beaks. Baby storks practise this during the time they spend in the nests.
Storks are large birds, up to a metre tall and with a 2 metre wing span. Imagine a bird of this seze buildeng a 50 kg nest on your roof!
Although storks are thought to be bringers of good fortune in Europe, this is not the case in Africa where they spend the winter. Here, many storks are shot for food or sport.
When flying, they flap their huge wings as little as possible, to save energy. Instead they soar like kites, using warm air currents (thermals) to keep them in the air. This technique is especially important when they make their long journey south.
Despite the destruction
of so many of their wetland habitats, storks are not a threatened species
because they have learned to live near to people. In fact, given a choice,
they seem to prefer it!
Facts and Figures |
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Name |
white stork |
Type of animal |
bird |
Where found |
Europe |
Habitat |
grasslands |
Diet |
carnivorous |
Average length |
110 cm |
Average weight |
3.3 kg |
Average number of young per year |
4 |
Egg incubation |
35 days |
Maximum lifespan |
30 years |