Black Stork

The Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) is a large, elegant bird found across parts of Europe and Asia. It has striking black plumage with a glossy sheen, contrasting with white underparts, and long red legs and bill. Unlike the white stork, it prefers dense forests near rivers and wetlands, where it hunts for fish, amphibians, and insects. Black Storks are shy and elusive, often seen soaring high or resting silently in trees. They are monogamous, raising their chicks in nests built high in trees. Their presence indicates healthy wetland ecosystems and they are protected by conservation efforts.