| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Least Concern
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| Approximate size(adult): | A large, elegant stork measuring 100–115 cm in length with a wingspan of 155–215 cm. It has white plumage with black flight feathers, long red legs, and a long pointed red bill.
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| Resident/ Migrate from: | Migratory species — breeds in Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia, then migrates southwards.
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| Migrate to: | Winters in sub-Saharan Africa, parts of India, and the Middle East. Some individuals are seen in western and northern India during migration or winter.
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| Breeding season: | Breeds from April to July in temperate zones. Nests are large stick platforms built on trees, rooftops, cliffs, or utility poles, often reused annually.
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| Breed in: | Open farmlands, meadows, and wetlands near human settlements; prefers areas with access to shallow water bodies for feeding.
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| Habitat: | Found in open wetlands, grasslands, agricultural fields, and marshes. Often seen near rivers and floodplains, and occasionally in villages and towns during migration.
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| Diet: | Feeds mainly on insects, frogs, fish, reptiles, small mammals, and sometimes young birds. Forages by walking slowly through shallow water or grasslands, seizing prey with its bill.
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