What does the White Stork eat?

The White Stork's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Carnivorous, primarily feeding on a wide variety of small vertebrates and invertebrates such as insects (especially grasshoppers, crickets), frogs, toads, snakes, lizards, small mammals (rodents, shrews), fish, and sometimes bird eggs and chicks.

How it forages

Forages by walking slowly and deliberately through short vegetation, scanning for prey. It uses its long beak to snatch prey from the ground or shallow water. Often seen following agricultural machinery to catch disturbed prey. Can congregate at rich food sources.

When it feeds

Diurnal, active during daylight hours for foraging and social interactions.

Explore the White Stork