Rare White Stork Spotted at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Attracts Birdwatchers

White Stork Latest News

A rare white stork was recently spotted at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, drawing a steady stream of naturalists, ornithologists, and wildlife photographers to the wetlands.

About White Stork

• It is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae.  
• Scientific Name: Ciconia ciconia 

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White Stork Habitat and Distribution 

• White storks are found across Europe, Asia Minor, the northern part of Africa, and the Middle East. 
• By the winter months, they migrate into tropical regions of Africa, some parts of the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. 
• They prefer to feed in grassy meadows, agricultural fields, pastures, steppes, savannas, and shallow wetlands, avoiding areas overgrown with tall grass and shrubs. 
• They fly with their necks outstretched and legs trailing, utilizing soaring to conserve energy. 

White Stork Features

• When standing, it measures about 95 to 110 centimetres, and it has a wingspan of around 183 to 217 centimetres. 
• The sexes are identical in appearance, except that males are larger than females on average. 
• The white stork is easily recognisable by its white plumage, its black wing and shoulder feathers, as well as its long red bill (measuring 14-19 centimetres), and its red legs. 
• Life span: Up to 40 years.
• Their diet consists mainly of small animals found in shallow water and fields. 
• White storks are gregarious and non-territorial birds.  

White Stork Conservation Status

It is classified as ‘Least Concern‘ under the IUCN Red List.

Key Facts about Okhla Bird Sanctuary

• It is situated at the entrance of Noida in Gautam Budh Nagar District of Uttar Pradesh.
• It is situated at a point where the Yamuna River enters the state of Uttar Pradesh, leaving the territory of Delhi. 
• It is roughly 4 sq.km. in size. 
• The most prominent feature of the sanctuary is the large lake created by damming the river. 
• It is recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.

News: HT