White Stork

migration · Europe · Africa · giant birds

Bright red legs. White storks have eye-catching long red legs and beaks that make them easy to spot. Adults grow to about 100 to 115 centimeters tall, roughly as long as a yardstick, with wingspans stretching 155 to 215 centimeters.

Epic yearly journey. White storks migrate between Europe and Africa every year, traveling thousands of kilometers. They cleverly avoid flying over the Mediterranean Sea because they need invisible columns of warm air called thermals to soar without flapping, and these don't form over water.

Two migration routes. When traveling south from Europe to Africa in fall, white storks split into two groups. Some fly east through the Levant, while others head west through the Strait of Gibraltar, both avoiding the sea.

Huge breeding range. White storks breed across Europe all the way north to Finland, and also in northwestern Africa and parts of Asia stretching to Kazakhstan. In winter, they spread across Africa and even reach the Indian subcontinent.

Striking black and white. These birds have pure white plumage covering most of their body, with striking black feathers on their wings. Their contrast of colors makes them stand out in sky and countryside.