About Black Storks

• They are found in many continents but largely migrate to India and South Africa during winter in the northern hemisphere. 
• They settle in old quiet forests where the nest is placed on a big tree, often near an open space (slopes, clear forests), which allows them easy access. Their hunting field consists of streams and small rivers, of marshy ponds and of meadows with low vegetation.
• Much of their threat is due to habitat destruction and some hunting.
• The IUCN Red List has classified Black Storks as Least Concern. But their population is decreasing, mostly due to deforestation and destruction of habitat. Black storks have also been hunted. During migration, many storks die during collisions with power lines.

Why in the news?

• Black Storks have been sighted in the Sigur Plateau of Nilgiris.
• The researchers said that sightings of the black stork in this region was extremely rare. 

References:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/black-storks-sighted-in-the-sigur-plateau/article33832376.ece
2. http://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_black_stork.html
3. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ciconia_nigra/#economic_importance_negative