- Life expectancy
- Global status
- Migration
Identification
In flight the neck is stretched straight forward and the long legs backwards. This distinguishes it from herons. Black flight feathers contrast with the white body; adults have red bills and legs.
Colours
Adult
White plumage with black flight feathers, long red legs and a red bill. In flight the neck and legs stay outstretched.
Behaviour
When soaring it uses thermals and can thus cover great distances with few wingbeats. At the nest its bill-clattering is particularly conspicuous. It often forages by striding over short grass or wet areas.
Breeding & rearing
Nests on roofs, trees or pylons can grow very large through repeated additions. Both parents feed the young. These stay in the nest for about two months and only become fully independent of their parents later.
