2026Protected Animal Species - First Day Cover

The white stork (Ciconia ciconia), the most famous migratory bird, nests in Europe and parts of Asia and Africa, while spending the winter in sub-Saharan Africa and India. It builds its nests near humans, on buildings and utility poles. It feeds on insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and small mammals. Its average lifespan is 15 years. The female lays 3–6 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating them for 34 days. The young set off on their journey to the wintering grounds – spanning about 12,000 km in one direction – in mid-August, while the parents follow in early September.