Stork: Black stork
Ciconia nigra
Bird
IUCN Status
As the black stork range is wide spread and global population is high it is classed as ‘Least Concern” by the IUCN. However the general population trend is declining due to habitat loss through deforestation, development, agriculture, draining and convers
Diet
These storks will forage mainly for fish although they will also take amphibians, invertebrates and other small animals in small bodies of water, including streams, marshes, riverbanks and damp meadows.
Habitat
Occupying a range of habitats due to its wide range, however prefers old, undisturbed, open forest and woodland, at elevations of up to 2,000 to 2,500 metres.
Behaviour
The black stork may migrate in small groups up to 30 individuals but is a solitary nester. They have a range of calls including a loud 'whinnying', hoarse gasping, and beak-clapping
Breeding
Most extensive breeding range of any stork, spanning three continents! Their nests are large, up to 1.5 meters wide and made of sticks, leaves, moss and earth. On average 3-4 eggs will be laid which will have an incubation period of 32-38 days.
Fun Facts
When migrating this species may travel up to 7000 kilometres! Very, very difficult to see in the wild this is an extremely shy and sensitive species!
At The Zoo
Back in 2004 in cooperation with the European breeding studbook we gathered two pairs from Europe and the UK. One pair was sent to “Pensthorpe” and the other pair remained here. Our pair bred every year but never reared as the female suffered badly from arthritis and now sadly we have just the cock bird but hope to find a mature hen for him in the future.