Class: Aves

Order: Ciconiiformes

Scientific Name: Ciconia ciconia

Range: Europe, Asia, Africa

Habitat: Swamps, river valleys with adjacent agricultural areas

Diet: Wild: Small aquatic animals, insects fish Zoo: fish, chopped meat

Gestation: Incubation 33-34- days

Litter: 4-5 eggs

Description: White storks have white plumage with some black in the wings, a dark red long conical bill and long pinkish-red legs. They are large birds 3.6 ft. long with a wingspan of about 7 ft. and weigh 4-9 lbs. They are voiceless except but clatter their mandibles together to communicate with one another. These storks migrate from Europe and Asia to Africa in the fall and return when the northern spring approaches. Their flight paths lie along the coasts of the Mediterranean. The storks reach their nesting sites in late March or early April and nest on chimneys, usually one previously used. Europeans often supply wicker baskets for the birds in belief that the birds bring good fortune. A pair of white storks may breed together for many years. Young leave the nest at 2 months of age and quickly become independent.

Where in the Zoo? I can be found in the African Plains at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.