Störche

Störche, commonly known as storks in English, are large, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with stout bodies and large beaks. The family Ciconiidae comprises nineteen species. Storks are found on all continents except Antarctica, though they are absent from North America and the Arctic and Antarctic poles. They inhabit a variety of environments, typically found in wetlands, grasslands, and savannas.

The common European species, the white stork (Ciconia ciconia), is perhaps the most recognizable, often depicted in folklore as the bringer of babies. This species is a long-distance migrant, spending its breeding season in Europe and wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. Another well-known species is the black stork (Ciconia nigra), which is more secretive and prefers dense forests near water.

Storks are carnivores, feeding on a diverse diet that includes amphibians, reptiles, insects, fish, and small mammals. They typically hunt by wading through shallow water or foraging on the ground. Many stork species build large, conspicuous nests, often on trees, cliffs, or human-made structures like chimneys and communication towers. These nests are often reused and added to year after year.

Reproduction involves the laying of a clutch of eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties. The young storks, called nestlings, are altricial, meaning they are born helpless and require extensive parental care. Conservation status varies among stork species, with some facing threats due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting.