The white stork
The white stork (*Ciconia ciconia*) is a large bird from the stork family (Ciconiidae). Its plumage is predominantly white, with black on the birds' flight feathers. Adults have long orange legs and long red bills, and measure on average 100–115 cm from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail, with a wingspan of 155–215 cm.
Carnivorous, the white stork eats a wide range of animals, from insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals to small birds. It takes most of its food from the ground, from low vegetation, and from shallow water. It is monogamous, but does not mate for life. Both members of the pair build a large nest, which may be used for several years. Each year, females typically lay four eggs, which hatch asynchronously 33–34 days after laying. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. The chicks leave the nest 58–64 days after hatching and continue to be fed by their parents for another 7–20 days.