Malomirovo, Bulgaria . 18th July, 2013. White stork flaps his wings into the wind and slowing lifting upward in flight.
White stork flaps his wings into the wind and slowing lifting upward in flight. White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) a large bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. Plumage mainly white, with black on the wings. Adults have long red legs and long pointed red beaks, and measure on average 100–115 cm (39–45 in) from beak tip to end of tail, with a 155–215 cm (61–85 in) wingspan. The White Stork is a long-distance migrant, wintering in Africa from tropical Sub-Saharan Africa to as far south as South Africa, or on the Indian subcontinent. When migrating between Europe and Africa, it avoids crossing the Mediterranean Sea and detours via the Levant in the east or the Strait of Gibraltar in the west, because the air thermals on which it depends do not form over water. A carnivore, the White Stork eats a wide range of animal prey, including insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and small birds. It takes most of its food from the ground, among low vegetation, and from shallow water. It is a monogamous breeder, but does not pair for life. Both members of the pair build a large stick nest, which may be used for several years. Each year the female can lay one clutch of usually four eggs, which hatch asynchronously 33–34 days after being laid. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and both feed the young. The young leave the nest 58–64 days after hatching, and continue to be fed by the parents for a further 7–20 days.
Size: 3804px × 2545px
Location: Strandja Mountains Bulgaria
Photo credit: © Clifford Norton / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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