The Black Stork Ciconia nigra is a bird of large wing span (145–155cm) that belongs to the order of Ciconiformes.

Very similar to the White stork Ciconia ciconia in terms of size and general aspect, it becomes unmistakable due to the predominance of the black colour of its plumage. The legs, beak and ocular area present a reddish intense colour in the adults, especially during breeding.

The immature individuals present a brownish plumage and do not have the red patterns until they reach sexual maturity (Cramp & Simmons 1977).

Adult Black Stork