Black Stork
Ciconia nigra
The Black Stork is a rare and occasional visitor to Britain, typically seen during migration periods, with most sightings occurring in the spring and autumn. It is more likely to be spotted in the southern and eastern regions of the country, particularly in wetland areas and coastal regions.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Black Stork in the field.
The Black Stork can be identified by its mainly black plumage, white underparts, and long red legs, as well as its long pointed red beak. Its distinctive shape and size, with a wingspan of up to 155cm, also make it a notable sight.
The Black Stork is larger than a Grey Heron, measuring between 95-100cm in length, making it a substantial and impressive bird.
The male Black Stork has mainly black plumage, with white underparts, and a glossy sheen to its feathers, with no significant seasonal variation in its plumage.
The female Black Stork is similar to the male, with no notable differences in plumage, making it difficult to distinguish between the sexes based on appearance alone.
The Black Stork is generally a silent bird, but it will make a loud, grunting or bill-clattering call, often used for communication between birds, particularly during breeding or nesting.
The Black Stork is a skilled wader, feeding on fish, frogs, and other small aquatic animals in wetland areas, and is known for its slow and deliberate flight style, often soaring or gliding for long periods.
The Black Stork can be confused with the White Stork, but can be distinguished by its mainly black plumage, red legs, and more subdued white underparts, as well as its smaller size and more slender build.
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