Feather By Feather
Cage & Aviary Birds|November 13, 2019
This month former British birdkeeper JARROD COTTER scrutinises the majestic white stork, which through a captive-bred release programme is being reintroduced to breed wild in Britain for the first time in centuries
JARROD COTTER
Feather By Feather

THE white stork (Ciconia ciconia) is, as its name would suggest, mostly white, although its flight feathers are black. Adults have long red legs and long pointed red beaks. They measure 39-45in (99-114cm) from beak tip to tail and have a 7ft (2.1m) wingspan.

This species breeds in Europe (north to Finland), north-western Africa, southwestern Asia (east to southern Kazakhstan) and southern Africa. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering in Africa from tropical sub-Saharan regions to as far south as South Africa or on the Indian subcontinent. When migrating between Europe and Africa it avoids crossing the Mediterranean Sea because the air thermals on which it depends for soaring do not form over water.

It is a carnivorous bird, feeding on a range of prey including insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles and small mammals such as voles, moles and shrews. It hunts for its food in low vegetation on the ground and also in shallow water.

Denne historien er fra November 13, 2019-utgaven av Cage & Aviary Birds.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra November 13, 2019-utgaven av Cage & Aviary Birds.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA CAGE & AVIARY BIRDSSe alt
The World's Best-Known Hummingbird?
Cage & Aviary Birds

The World's Best-Known Hummingbird?

Intensively studied, the gem-like Anna’s hummingbird is a welcome visitor to the gardens of America’s most populous state: California. Bill Naylor investigates its life history

time-read
5 mins  |
December 18, 2019
The charm of the English Cinnamon
Cage & Aviary Birds

The charm of the English Cinnamon

Despite its long and complicated history, the true Cinnamon canary is still with us – in the hands of a tiny group of breeders. DONALD SKINNER-REID reckons it deserves wider appreciation

time-read
4 mins  |
December 24, 2019
Spangles: a personal overview
Cage & Aviary Birds

Spangles: a personal overview

FRED WRIGHT relates a budgie story of over-exploitation, consequent problems and abundant potential for the future

time-read
4 mins  |
December 24, 2019
New converts to old breeds
Cage & Aviary Birds

New converts to old breeds

Old and rare canaries have a reputation for adding fresh interest and challenge to the hobby. PETE HOOK and NICK JOY agree, and explain the birds’ charm to Dave Brown

time-read
3 mins  |
December 24, 2019
Themed aviaries are a hit with the public at annual Stafford show
Cage & Aviary Birds

Themed aviaries are a hit with the public at annual Stafford show

DECORATIVE AVIARY DISPLAYS from a CBS and an online bird keeping advice group were voted in the top three by visitors for the inaugural Stafford Aviary Competition.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2019
Pieds with potential
Cage & Aviary Birds

Pieds with potential

More than just a lesser variety, the dominant pied will introduce challenge and change into most studs, reckons CLIVE WAKEMAN. Here he discusses pairings to try and others to avoid

time-read
3 mins  |
December 18, 2019
Club News
Cage & Aviary Birds

Club News

Welcome to the club and show pages – the bit that’s all about you Results: convention, specialist & rare and Breeder of the Year

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2019
Canaries Month by Month:
Cage & Aviary Birds

Canaries Month by Month:

With Christmas around the corner, BRIAN KEENAN is well into his winter programme, and reckons he might deserve a nice outcross

time-read
4 mins  |
December 18, 2019
Smart Choice, Docile Nature
Cage & Aviary Birds

Smart Choice, Docile Nature

Dave Brown welcomes the masked grassfinch to his birdroom and shares advice on this lovely Australian species

time-read
3 mins  |
December 04, 2019
The truth about the ‘flying toad'
Cage & Aviary Birds

The truth about the ‘flying toad'

Odd local names and weird superstitions can’t hide the beauty and elegance of the nightjar, a species that has made a fascinating subject in a few zoo collections, reveals BILL NAYLOR

time-read
5 mins  |
December 04, 2019