STORKS 
For centuries the long-legged white stork has been associated with man 
and unlike most other birds it seeks out his habitations. These plump, 
friendly birds frequently build their nests atop chimneys, gable corners or 
towers, and in many parts of Europe their presence on a farm is regarded 
as a good omen. Except for a few black wing quills, storks are pure white. 
Their nest, made of sticks and reeds, is at first shallow, but each year 
the birds make additions to it, until in the end it may be several feet high. 
White storks nest in pairs, the mother bird laying from three to six pure 
white eggs, which require four weeks to hatch. The female sits on the eggs, 
while her mate constantly helps her, bringing her frogs, snakes, eggs and 
young birds to eat. The male stork is faithful enough to return to the same 
mate for several years in succession. The young are helpless at birth and 
must be fed by the adults, who insert their long, pointed red beaks into the 
chicks’ gullets. Active by day, storks often roost in trees by night. Some¬ 
times they rest standing on one foot, leaning their beaks against their breasts. 
In the fall, when the storks migrate southward to Africa and India, 
and in the spring when they return, they may be seen flying in V shaped 
formation, constantly changing their leader. They fly with their long necks 
stretched forward and legs well hack; their flight is graceful, noiseless and 
swift. Large, powerful wings enable them to reach great heights by soaring 
and circling. 
Storks have no difficulty in walking. They stalk about solemnly in 
search of food both on dry land and in swamps. They generally make their 
homes near lakes, creeks or salt lagoons. Reptiles form a large part of their 
diet, and the birds are esteemed in many regions for their value in holding 
snakes in check. They also eat small mammals, birds, frogs and insects. 
They are voiceless, but sometimes make a great clatter by snapping their 
bills; this habit often betrays their whereabouts. 
Not all storks are white. A black stork, long a denizen of the Dresden 
zoo, lived for thirty years. 
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