Come identificare White Stork

Per identificare correttamente White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), controlla ciascuna di queste caratteristiche. Gli uccelli possono essere complicati da riconoscere, perché comportamento, habitat e canto spesso confermano ciò che una sola foto non può.

Dimensioni a colpo d'occhio

Lunghezza

100-115 cm (39-45 in)

Apertura alare

155-215 cm (61-85 in)

Peso

2.3-4.5 kg (5.1-9.9 lb)

Caratteristiche fisiche da controllare

1. 1

   Piumaggio

   Colorazione e disegno generale del piumaggio.

   Adults have entirely white plumage on the body, head, and neck, with contrasting glossy black primary and secondary flight feathers (remiges) and greater coverts, which are visible when the wings are folded or in flight. The black coloration is due to melanin.

2. 2

   Forma del becco

   Forma e colore del becco, un segno di campo chiave.

   Long, straight, and pointed. Bright red in adults during the breeding season, duller red or reddish-brown outside of breeding season.

3. 3

   Colore degli occhi

   Colore dell'iride e segni distintivi sugli occhi.

   Dark brown with a red orbital ring.

4. 4

   Colore delle zampe

   Colore di zampe e piedi.

   Long and slender, bright red in adults, duller red or reddish-brown outside of breeding season.

5. 5

   Caratteristiche distintive

   Tratti distintivi che separano questa specie.

   Large size, predominantly white body with black flight feathers, long red legs, and a long red bill. Distinctive slow, powerful wing beats in flight, often soaring on thermals.

6. 6

   Aspetto giovanile

   Come i giovani si differenziano dagli adulti.

   Juveniles resemble adults but have duller, brownish-red bills and legs, and their black flight feathers may appear duller and less glossy. Their white plumage may also have a slightly dingier appearance.

7. 7

   Cambiamenti stagionali

   Variazione del piumaggio tra stagione riproduttiva e non.

   The intensity of the red coloration of the bill and legs is brightest during the breeding season, becoming somewhat duller outside of this period. No significant plumage changes between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

8. 8

   Dimorfismo sessuale

   Differenze tra maschi e femmine.

   Males and females are outwardly similar in plumage and size, though males tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. This difference is often not discernible in the field.

Segni di campo chiave

• Plumage. Look for the striking contrast of pure white body plumage with glossy black flight feathers. This is the most definitive visual cue.
• Bill and Legs. Observe the long, straight, bright red bill and long, red legs in adults. Juveniles have duller, brownish-red bills and legs.
• Size and Shape. Note its large size, long neck, and long legs. In flight, the neck is outstretched, and legs trail behind the tail.
• Flight Pattern. Watch for its characteristic slow, powerful wing beats interspersed with long periods of soaring on thermals, often at great heights.
• Behavior. Look for them foraging in open fields, often near water, or nesting on prominent elevated structures in human settlements. Listen for bill-clattering.

Esplora White Stork