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Birds

Birds

Common name White stork
Scientific name Ciconia ciconia
Type Waterbirds
Status Summer

Large bird (approx 110 cm or 3.5 ft) with also large wingspan (approx 210 cm or 7 ft). Unmistakable for its long neck, white plumage and red bill and legs. Half of the wings are black. In flight it differs from other large birds by adopting a posture with the neck and legs stretched.

Habitats

Wetlands, river and riverside

Where it lives

Very familiar species, linked to human environments. It is present in villages and cities, in open crops, with meadows, wetlands, grasslands and areas with livestock. Absent in mountain and forest areas. Usual in landfills and dumps, where it looks for food.

How it lives

It is a traditionally summer bird although in recent years there are individuals who spend the winter also in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. In Malaga there are also many specimens in migratory passage. The breeding begins between March and April with a single annual laying of 3 to 4 eggs. The nest is large and usually placed on top of roofs, bell towers, chimneys or electricity poles. It feeds on small animals: invertebrates, amphibians, fish, micromammals and small reptiles.

Where it can be seen in Malaga

In the province, in addition to birds in migratory passage, there are some established breeding pairs. They can be watched in Antequera, Ronda, Alameda and Arriate. Also in the landfills of the border area with Cádiz, where they are abundant. In the Great Path they can be seen in migratory passage in stages 29 and 31.

Curious facts

The call of the storks, both when they are in heat and of the chicks to attract the attention of their parents, consists of a rhythmic movement of the jaws that is called "clattering". It is a typical sound of spring and summer wherever storks nest.

Similar birds
Present
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Wintering Summer Resident Migration