Animal Profiles
Birds

Stork

Ciconiidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Storks are large long-legged birds. This account describes the white stork (Ciconia ciconia), a soaring migrant that hunts small animals in open landscapes.

Ciconia ciconia (stork)

Representative species: Ciconia ciconia.

Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Habitat
Wetlands, Grassland, Savanna
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Insects, worms and small vertebrates.

Classification

Common name
Stork
Browse group
Birds
Scientific name or taxon
Ciconiidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Ciconiiformes
Family
Ciconiidae
Source classification
Aves

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It soars to save energy on long journeys.
  • Nests can be built on rooftops.
  • The diet includes many kinds of small animals.

Habitat and range

White storks breed across parts of Europe, North Africa and western Asia. Many winter in Africa or southern Asia. Wetlands, meadows, pastures and fields provide open feeding habitat.

Appearance and adaptations

White plumage contrasts with black flight feathers. Long reddish legs and a pointed bill give adults their familiar outline; young birds have duller bare parts.

Diet and behaviour

Insects, worms, amphibians, small mammals and other prey are taken while walking. Birds soar on rising air during longer journeys. Large nests may be built on trees, rooftops or other elevated structures.

Sources

Explore birds

Browse all birds