Black Stork

Ciconia nigra (Linnaeus, 1758)

		adult juvenile
2021-05-03 Altai Republic 2020-09-10 Altai Republic	© Denis Zhbir © Denis Zhbir

Distribution

Widely distributed in middle taoga, south of forest zone, mountains of Southern Siberia, but very rare within its range. There may be areas of somewhat bigger concentration.

Biology

Rare breeding migrant. Inhabits forests or mountains with meadows near the shallow water (not far than 10-15 km from nest), rarely visited by humans. In spring arrives in the end of March - mod of April, in northern areas - in May. Late migrants observed up to early June. Pairs nest separately. Birds with sticks in bills were observed at Western Altai in end of April – early May. Nest built from the thick twigs and usually used during some years; nest is located on the trees, or in the recess, or on inaccessible rock-benches. Inner cup is lined with the dry grass, leaves and hair. Clutch of 2-5, rarely of 6 eggs is produced in early May to early July. Both parents incubate clutch for 32-46 days and later feed juveniles, which fledge in mid-July – August. In summer flocks of nonbreeding individuals are seen in areas, which are rich with food. Autumn migration begins in the 2nd half of August, most birds fly out in September, sometimes in flocks of 10-15 birds. Often

References

В.К.Рябицев. "Птицы Сибири". Москва-Екатеринбург, Изд-во "Кабинетный ученый", 2014