black stork
Ciconia nigra
The black stork is a large bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of his Systema Naturae.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_stork
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Ciconiiformes
Family
Ciconiidae
Genus
Ciconia
black stork belongs to the family Ciconiidae, order Ciconiiformes, within the Aves class.
Species Profile
The black stork is a large bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of his Systema Naturae. Measuring on average 95 to 100 cm from beak tip to end of tail with a 145-to-155 cm (57-to-61 in) wingspan, the adult black stork has mainly black plumage, with white underparts, long red legs and a long pointed red beak. A widespread but uncommon species, it breeds in scattered locations across Europe, and east across the Palearctic to the Pacific Ocean. It is a long-distance migrant, with European populations wintering in tropical Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asian populations in the Indian subcontinent. When migrating between Europe and Africa, it avoids crossing broad expanses of the Mediterranean Sea and detours via the Levant in the east, the...
The Black Stork faces significant pressure from habitat loss and degradation, particularly the destruction of old-growth forests needed for nesting and wetland drainage that eliminates crucial foraging areas. Human disturbance at breeding sites, pollution of aquatic ecosystems, and climate change impacts on water availability further threaten populations across their range.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Mature deciduous and mixed forests near freshwater bodies including rivers, streams, marshes, and fish ponds, typically requiring large old trees for nesting and shallow waters rich in fish, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates for foraging.
Threats
Deforestation and forest fragmentation
Wetland drainage and degradation
Climate change affecting water availability
Human disturbance at breeding sites
Water pollution and contamination
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| NP | VUVulnerable | VUVulnerable | Same |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
Report a sightingNo community sightings yet. Be the first to report!
Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). black stork (Ciconia nigra). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/black-stork