The White Stork: Symbol of Spring and New Beginnings
The White Stork, often seen on its nest, is a majestic wading bird and an iconic migrant.
Migratory Elegance
The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) is one of Europe's most recognizable and cherished birds. With its elegant silhouette and majestic appearance, it is often seen as a symbol of spring and fertility. This emblematic wading bird captivates the imagination with its long migrations and its centuries-old coexistence with humans, often building its large nests on rooftops or village bell towers. Let's explore this fascinating species, from its life habits to its role in popular folklore.
Who is the White Stork?
The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a large species of wading bird belonging to the Ciconiidae family. Its plumage is predominantly white, elegantly contrasting with the black flight feathers of its wings. Adults have long red legs and a long, straight, pointed, bright red beak. There is no apparent sexual dimorphism in plumage, although males are on average slightly larger than females.
Our Ornithologist's Advice
By the Les-Oiseaux.com team, published September 28, 2025.
My personal advice: The White Stork is a fascinating species to observe, especially during its nesting period. If you are lucky enough to have one near you, always maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing the parents or young. Avoid feeding them artificially, as this can alter their natural behaviors and balanced diet. Contribute to their protection by supporting wetland conservation initiatives, which are essential for their feeding and reproduction.
🦢 Become a White Stork Expert!
Fascinated by this emblematic wader? Subscribe to receive exclusive information about White Storks and the wonders of birdlife.
No spam and easy unsubscribe.
Detailed Physical Characteristics
The White Stork is a large bird, with impressive measurements that allow it to dominate the landscapes where it lives.
Dimensions and Weight
Length: Between 100 and 115 cm (39-45 in), from beak to tail.
Height: Standing, it can reach 100 to 125 cm (39-49 in).
Wingspan: Its wingspan is particularly notable, ranging from 155 to 215 cm (61-85 in), making it an excellent glider.
Weight: A White Stork typically weighs between 2.3 and 4.5 kg (5.1-9.9 lbs). Females are on average slightly lighter than males.
In flight, the White Stork is distinguished by its outstretched neck and elongated legs, using thermal currents to glide long distances.
Scientific Dimensions and Records of the White Stork
Characteristic
Male
Female
Overall Range / Record
Length (beak to tail)
105 – 115 cm
100 – 110 cm
100 – 115 cm
Standing Height
105 – 125 cm
100 – 120 cm
100 – 125 cm
Weight
3.5 – 4.5 kg
2.3 – 3.5 kg
2.3 – 4.5 kg
Wingspan
170 – 215 cm
155 – 190 cm
155 – 215 cm
Flight speed (gliding)
30 – 50 km/h
30 – 50 km/h
30 – 50 km/h (typical)
Life expectancy (wild)
7 – 10 years (avg)
7 – 10 years (avg)
33 years (record wild), 35+ years (captivity)
These detailed dimensions highlight the White Stork's impressive stature, enabling its graceful long-distance migrations and prominent presence in wetland landscapes.
Not to be confused with...
Grey Heron
Unlike the Stork, the Grey Heron has a predominantly blue-grey plumage. Its neck is often folded into an 'S' shape when resting and in flight, and it possesses a long, yellow, dagger-like bill, as well as a more stealthy approach when hunting for aquatic prey.
The White Stork is a social bird that can gather in colonies, especially for nesting. Although it is monogamous during the breeding season, partners do not necessarily remain paired for life and may choose a new mate each year.
Nesting
They build large stick nests that can be used and expanded over several years, sometimes reaching impressive dimensions (up to 2 meters in diameter and over 500 kg). These nests are typically placed on elevated, exposed structures:
Treetops
Electricity pylons
Rooftops and chimneys
Towers and artificial platforms
Both parents participate in incubating the 3 to 6 eggs and feeding the young, which leave the nest approximately two months after hatching.
White Stork Diet: An Opportunistic Predator
The White Stork is a strict carnivore and an opportunistic predator. Its diet is highly diverse and adapts according to the seasons and available resources in its habitat.
What White Storks Eat:
It primarily feeds on a wide range of animal prey that it hunts on the ground, in low vegetation, or in shallow waters:
Invertebrates: Insects (grasshoppers, beetles, dragonflies), earthworms (which can make up to 90% of its diet if abundant), molluscs (slugs, snails).
Vertebrates: Fish, amphibians (frogs, toads), reptiles (lizards, small snakes), and small mammals (voles, mice, moles, shrews). It may occasionally consume nestlings or eggs.
Storks often hunt by walking slowly and using their long beaks to quickly snatch their prey. In times of scarcity, they may resort to carrion.
Vocalizations and Bill-Clattering
Unlike many birds, the White Stork is almost mute as it lacks functional vocal cords. Its primary form of sound communication is bill-clattering, a prolonged and very loud sound produced by rapidly clashing its mandibles together, often with its head thrown back.
This clattering is used in various situations:
During courtship rituals and greetings between partners at the nest.
To strengthen pair bonds.
To warn intruders and defend the nest.
0:00 / 0:00
Migration and Habitat of the White Stork
The White Stork is a long-distance migrant, renowned for its extensive seasonal journeys. Populations breeding in Europe and Asia winter in sub-Saharan Africa, extending as far south as South Africa, or on the Indian subcontinent.
During its migration, the White Stork avoids crossing the Mediterranean Sea. It uses major land routes: the Strait of Gibraltar in the west and the Bosphorus and the Levant in the east. This strategy is due to its reliance on warm air currents (thermals) for gliding and conserving energy, conditions that do not form over open water.
Habitat
White Storks prefer open, low-lying habitats, such as wetlands, floodplains, meadows, pastures, and cultivated fields. Similar to other large European wading birds like the Grey Heron, they are often found near shallow bodies of water (lakes, rivers, marshes) where they can easily find their food.
Distribution Map
Conservation Status and Symbolism
Conservation Status
The White Stork is currently classified as « Least Concern » (LC) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This marks a significant improvement compared to the declines suffered in the mid-20th century.
Historically, White Stork populations suffered from the use of pesticides and the destruction of wetlands. However, thanks to the banning of these chemicals and concerted conservation efforts, including reintroduction programs in France, the species has been able to recover and even expand its breeding range.
Cultural Symbolism
The White Stork holds a special place in the folklore and culture of many countries, particularly in Europe.
It is a strong symbol in regions like Alsace in France.
It is associated with fidelity, fertility, home, and the arrival of babies, a legend originating in Germany that spread in the Middle Ages.
Its resilience and adaptability have made it a symbol of longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions About the White Stork
Where does the White Stork build its nest?
White Storks build large stick nests on elevated structures such as rooftops, chimneys, electricity pylons, or trees. These nests can be reused and expanded for many years.
What does a White Stork eat?
The White Stork is an opportunistic carnivore. Its diet is highly varied and includes insects (grasshoppers, earthworms), molluscs, fish, amphibians (frogs), reptiles (lizards, small snakes), and small mammals (rodents).
Does the White Stork migrate?
Yes, the White Stork is a long-distance migrant. European and Asian populations winter in sub-Saharan Africa and India. They avoid crossing the Mediterranean Sea, using the Straits of Gibraltar and the Bosphorus for their long gliding flights.
What is the symbolism of the White Stork?
In many European cultures, the White Stork is a symbol of good luck, fidelity, fertility, and is associated with the arrival of babies. It is particularly emblematic in regions like Alsace in France.
What is the conservation status of the White Stork?
According to the IUCN, the White Stork is classified as « Least Concern ». Its populations have recovered well after a decline in the 20th century, thanks to the banning of certain pesticides and conservation efforts.
