Black Stork

The remaining species of the genus is the Black Stork (C. Nigra), a smaller bird than the White, and quite different in habits. The plumage is black above, glossed for the most part with a metallic purple, and pure white below. The bill, orbital space, and gular pouch are coral-red; the legs and feet red ; and the iris brown. It is found from southern Europe to Mongolia and China, and south in winter over Africa and the Indian peninsula, being a rare straggler to England. The Black Stork avoids human habitations and makes its home in deep swamps, placing its often very large nest in tall forest trees. They lay usually four eggs, which are grayish white in color.