Black Stork

Ciconia nigra

Genus · Ciconia Storks Family · Storks
Observation tips Difficulty: HARD
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
Forest deciduousLake wetlandsRiver

Very difficult to observe. Look for them at dawn near secluded forest streams. Their bright red bill and legs stand out against their dark bodies.

Black Stork
Stats
Wingspan175–205 cm
Weight2400–3200 g
Length90–105 cm
Lifespan wild10–20 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typePlatform
Clutch size2–5 eggs
Incubation32–38 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationMigratory
Social BehaviourSolitary

Diet: Carnivore

🐸Amphibians
🐟Fish
🦗Insects
🐭Mammals
🦎Reptiles

Habitat

🌳 Forest deciduous🌲🌳 Forest mixed🛶 Lake wetlands🏞️ River
✦ Fun Fact

Black Storks are generally silent birds, but they can produce a small range of sounds such as soft whistles and occasional wheezing calls, especially in breeding contexts.

About

A large, elegant bird that is much more secretive than the White Stork. It has shimmering black plumage with green and purple iridescence. This contrasts with a stark white belly. It lives in undisturbed forests near marshes or streams. It is a long-distance migrant that winters in sub-Saharan Africa.

Behaviour

The Black Stork avoids people and is rarely seen in open farmland. It forages in shallow water for fish, amphibians, and insects. It is a solitary nester. Pairs are highly territorial. In flight, it is a magnificent soarer. It holds its long neck and legs fully extended while circling on broad wings.

Similar species

White Stork
🐦
White Stork
Ciconia ciconia
Common Crane
🐦
Common Crane
Grus grus
See Black Stork in the app.
Full encyclopedia, offline diary, AI identification — always with you.
Download on Google Play