For hundreds of years now, the European white stork has been nesting close to people. They are not especially afraid of humans and can be found nesting on chimneys, tall buildings, telephone poles, and even structures specially built just for them. They also nest in the usual places one might find birds, such as trees or the sides of cliffs.

The European white stork is found throughout Europe in several distinct population groups, and one of these groups migrates a great distance yearly, from as far north as Denmark to as far south as South Africa -- virtually all the way down the globe and back!

What Are European White Storks Like?
The European white stork is a large bird, an average of over 2 feet tall and weighing in at 10 lbs or more, with distinctive black and white feathers and a reddish beak and legs. Their vocalizations may sound like a gun firing rapidly and involve clattering their bills rapidly. They can live for 30 years or more. Their eggs, once laid, incubate for 30-50 days. Both male and female share nesting duties such as caring for the eggs and feeding the young. After the young have hatched, they are nest-bound for about 8 weeks before "fledging," i.e. leaving the nest.

Storks and Babies
The idea that the stork brings babies to waiting parents seems to have its origins with the European white stork in Germany. This stork population would often return to villages from migration at the time of year that many babies were traditionally born.

Conservation Efforts
These birds are not considered endangered, but modernization and cultural differences are taking their toll. Though well-loved in Europe, they are often hunted for food in Africa and may be shot by the hundreds in the Middle East. The typical dangers of modernization such as electrical wires, pesticides, and pollution are also present. Conservation efforts typically focus on habitat maintenance and preservation.