White Stork

The White Stork is a large, easily recognised bird standing over a metre tall with bright white feathers contrasting sharply with black feathers on its wings. Its long red legs and distinctive red beak make it easy to identify. When flying, its neck stretches out fully forward and its broad wings show clear black edges at the back. Once a rare visitor to Britain, White Storks are now seen more often, especially in southern England where a programme to bring them back is in progress. The bird breeds across Europe, with strong populations in Spain, Germany, and Eastern Europe. In winter, it migrates to sub-Saharan Africa. White Storks prefer open wetlands, grasslands, and farmland where they hunt for food slowly and carefully. They build nests in groups on buildings, trees, and special platforms made for them. These large nests are made from sticks and are used and added to every year.