European white stork

At the Detroit Zoo
The European white storks can be found in the African Grasslands.

Description
This tall, long-necked wading bird has red legs and a pointed red-orange bill. The white plumage of the head, neck and body contrasts with black wing feathers highlighted with a sheen of purple and green iridescence.

Scientific name: Ciconia ciconia
Continent: Europe, Asia
Habitat: Commonly found in wetlands, grasslands and tropical forests
Size: 3 feet tall
Weight: 5-10 pounds
Diet: Amphibians, insects, fish and small mammals
Reproduction: Incubation 30 days; three to five eggs
Lifespan: Up to 35 years in captivity
Conservation Status: Least Concern

FUN FACTS

This species is the genesis of the myth that the stork brings babies. A symbol of fertility and good luck, it often nests on rooftops and chimneys in the spring when their chicks are typically born.