Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Black Stork

Scientific name: Ciconia nigra


Black Stork

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Family: CICONIIDAE

Group: Birds

Shyness: Suspicious

Safe distance: 30 m

Breeding season / Courtship: 01.04-30.04

Gestation: 38 à 42 jours

Births: 02.06-17.06


Habitat:
Wetlands and forests

Description:
The Black Stork is a large bird with dark, glossy plumage, characterized by its slender silhouette and long red legs and beak. Its plumage is primarily black, with a slight greenish tint and a metallic sheen on the wings and back. This migratory raptor is distinguished from its cousin, the White Stork, by its more discreet behavior and preference for wilder habitats. It primarily inhabits dense forests, wetlands, and mountainous areas of Eastern and Southeastern Europe and Asia. The Black Stork primarily feeds on fish, amphibians, and small mammals, which it catches with its long beak while moving silently near rivers and lakes. Unlike the White Stork, it prefers isolated habitats, avoiding human areas. Its population has long been in decline due to deforestation, illegal hunting, and disturbance of its breeding habitats. However, conservation efforts have helped stabilize its populations in some regions.

Recommended lens:
>=300 mm

Photography tips:

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