Black Stork
Ciconia nigra
The Black Stork is a large wading bird in the stork family. It is a widespread, but rare, species that breeds in the warmer parts of Europe, predominantly in central and eastern regions. This is a shy and wary species. It is seen in pairs or small flocks in marshy areas, rivers or inland waters. The Black Stork feeds on amphibians and insects.
Black Stork is a large bird, 100 cm in length and weighing around 3 kg. Like all storks, it has long legs, a long neck, and a long, straight, pointed beak. The plumage is all black with a purplish green sheen, except for the white lower breast, belly, axillaries and undertail coverts. The breast feathers are long and shaggy forming a ruff which is used in some courtship displays. The bare skin around its eyes is red, as are its red bill and legs. The sexes are identical in appearance, except that males are larger than females on average.
