Characteristics
The size of this bird is impressive, measuring 100–115 cm in length and standing at a height of 100–125 cm. Its wingspan is 155–215 cm and it weighs around 2.3–4.5 kg. With long legs, neck, and a straight pointed beak like other storks, its plumage is mostly white with black flight and wing covert feathers.
Habitat & Distribution
The White Stork migrates long distances, wintering in Africa and India. It prefers habitats like riverbanks, marshes, swamps, meadows, etc. In Europe, there are 502,000-563,000 mature individuals across countries like Bulgaria, Italy, France, Germany, Holland, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Belgium, and Poland.
Threats
©E-REDES
The species is threatened by habitat alteration, the use of pesticide and the shortage of nesting sites in some areas as for example nest structures on pylons are frequently destroyed during maintenance work. Collisions and electrocutions from powerlines pose a grave threat, particularly during European migration.
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