The Oriental stork is a large, white bird with black-feathered wings in the stork family Ciconiidae.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds mainly in the Russian Far East and northeastern China, with scattered nesting in the Korean Peninsula and reintroduced sites in Japan. Winters predominantly in eastern China, including the lower Yangtze floodplain, as well as in Korea and parts of Japan. Prefers large wetlands, slow rivers, floodplains, shallow lakes, and rice paddies, and will forage along drainage canals and fish ponds. Roosts on tall trees, pylons, or secluded wetland edges and avoids heavily disturbed areas.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Oriental stork is the East Asian counterpart of the White Stork but is larger and has a distinctive all-black bill. It went extinct as a breeder in Japan in the 20th century, but reintroduction programs have established small wild populations again. The species often nests on tall trees and utility pylons, building massive stick nests it may reuse for years.
Temperament
generally solitary to loosely gregarious
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Typically forages alone or in small groups but may gather at rich feeding sites in winter. Pairs are largely monogamous during the breeding season, building large stick nests on tall trees or man-made platforms and pylons. Clutches usually contain several eggs, and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Mostly silent; communicates with loud bill-clattering displays at nests. Occasional low hisses or grunts may be given at close range.
