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Black Stork
Ciconia nigra
46.0856, 5.35079
Field Notes
Description:
The Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) is a large, distinctive bird, sporting striking black plumage with a metallic green and purple sheen (which I could not detect in this spotting) especially noticeable in good lighting. Its belly and underparts are white, making them easy to ID when they are flying over. The beak and legs are bright red, which contrasts sharply with its dark feathers. It is slightly smaller than its more common relative, the White Stork, with a body length of about 95–100 cm (37–39 inches) and a wingspan of approximately 145–155 cm (57–61 inches).
Habitat:
I guess these were flying to and fro between nearby wetlands - we were not far away from Dombes, a region in France characterized by its unique ecology, dominated by over a thousand artificial ponds that create a rich wetland habitat supporting a diverse range of bird species, particularly migratory waterfowl. This region is also known for its agricultural practices, where traditional fish farming coexists with the preservation of biodiversity, making it a crucial area for conservation efforts.
Notes:
1.) sorry for the poor quality of pics, but these beauties were very far away, far above me and I'm pretty impressed that I was able to get even these...
2.) The Black Stork primarily feeds on fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates, which it catches by wading in shallow water. It may also eat small mammals and insects.
3.) Black Storks are solitary nesters, often building their large nests in tall trees or on cliffs in secluded areas. They are known to be quite secretive during the breeding season.
4.) The Black Stork faces threats from habitat destruction, particularly the draining of wetlands and deforestation, which reduce its breeding and feeding areas. Human disturbance and pollution also pose significant risks.
5.) The species is listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, but it is protected under various international conservation agreements, and there are efforts to preserve its habitat and monitor populations.
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