Identification

95-110cm. The White Stork is among Europe's largest birds. It has white body with black flight feathers. It has long sturdy red legs and long dagger-like red bill. Often nests on rooftops, chimneys. Unmistakable when seen on the ground (slow, dignified walk). In flight at distance could be confused with White Pelican, but holds neck straight out, has projecting legs and soars in much more disordered fashion, not with contingents well synchronized like the pelicans.

Description

In Hungary the White Stork is widespread and fairly common breeder in villages and small towns with the highest population densities in the southwestern and northeastern parts of the country. The population of the White Stork has increased slightly in the past three decades and seems to have stabilised in recent years. Migrant. Arrives between mid-March and mid-April at the breeding sites in spring. The non-breeding individuals gather in flocks of up to several hundreds during the summer, especially around extensive fishponds. Leaves the country in August or early September in autumn. In late autumn and winter mostly injured birds unable to migrate can be observed.