White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) | 台北市立動物園資訊網

Whenforagingitstalksalongatagentlepace,itsneckheldstraightandbentslightlyforward.Inflightitisslowwithregularwingstrokes.Itisa“glider”,taking ...

There is hardly any bird in Europe as well-known as the white stork. Unlike its secretive relative the black stork, the white stork is a culture follower. It actively seeks the proximity of humans, whether breeding on rooftops or electricity pylons or foraging on freshly mown meadows, behind tractors. Despite its popularity, the white stork is nowhere near as common as it used to be. Large populations are found mainly in Spain and Poland, as well as in the Baltic region.

To live, storks need open landscapes such as flood plains, extensively farmed meadows and pastures or cultivated landscapes with nutrient-rich small water bodies. However, due to flawed agricultural policy, such habitats are becoming increasingly rare.

The white stork is one of Europe’s biggest birds. When standing, it measures about 95 to 110 centimetr...