Rare White Stork Sighted at Okhla Bird Sanctuary (2026)

PRERNA FOR IAS

Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

Rare White Stork Sighted at Okhla Bird Sanctuary (2026): Scientific Classification, Migration, Conservation Status and Ecological Significance

1. Background and Recent Sighting

• On 1 November 2026, a rare White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) was spotted at Okhla Bird Sanctuary along the Delhi–Noida border.
• Ornithologists believe it may belong to the Central Asian subspecies, Ciconia ciconia asiatica, although identification remains unconfirmed.
• The previous reported sighting in Delhi-NCR occurred near Jewar in March 2019.

2. Scientific Classification and Features

• Scientific name: Ciconia ciconia.
• Classification: Class Aves; Order Ciconiiformes; Family Ciconiidae.
• It has predominantly white plumage, black flight feathers, a long red bill and red legs.
• It feeds on insects, amphibians, fish and small animals.

3. Habitat and Migration