White storks eat a variety of foods, adjusting their menu to the food available in a given environment. One of the most important components of their diet are amphibians such as frogs and toads. These small animals make up a significant part of their feed, especially during the breeding season when the young need a lot of protein.
Fish are also a frequent prey for white storks. These birds are extraordinary when it comes to catching fish, moving along ponds, rivers and other bodies of water. They are true masters of fishing.
Reptiles such as lizards and snakes also fit on the list of white storks’ potential targets. These birds do not despise an additional food source.
Even though it isn’t their main prey, white storks sometimes hunt small mammals such as mice and rodents. It is most important when other food sources are limited.
During the breeding season, white storks turn their attention to small invertebrates which serve as an appropriate source of protein for their offspring. It is fundamental to ensure proper diet for the young.
Although hunting birds isn’t typical for white storks, it sometimes happens that they catch smaller birds or nestlings. Especially in tough circumstances, when other foods are hard to come by.
It is worth noting that the white stork’s diet can vary depending on the region it lives in. These migratory birds travel vast distances, adapting to various environments and food availability during their migrations. Their flexibility in food choices helps them survive and reproduce in diverse ecosystems.
Aim:
– Familiarise children with the white stork’s diet
Time: 30 minutes
MATERIALS
– Frog template
– Execution instructions
– Green paper
– Red paper
– Paper straw
– Glue
– Scissors
Task Description
1) First of all, cut out the template for tracing – cut out a large circle, paws and a rectangle.
2) On a green sheet of paper trace the larger circle, then cut out the smaller circle and trace it twice as well.
3) Cut out eyes and glue them on the two smaller green circles.
4) The big green circle folds in half and makes a small hole in the centre for the straw. At the point of flexion, glue the eyes on the outside.
5) On the red sheet of paper trace the rectangle. Cut out the red rectangle and fold it in half and then fold up the sides inwards by about 0.5 cm. Glue the longer side and one shorter side together.
6) Put the paper straw through the hole and glue the red rectangle, with the side that was not glued before, to the straw inside the frog’s mouth. This should be done tightly. A small rectangle made of paper can be used additionally. The straw has to be the only way for the air to get into the red rectangle.
7) Roll the red rectangle to the centre. The rectangle will expand by blowing into the straw. The toy is ready.
This post was produced as part of a project co-financed by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt in cooperation with the Naturschutzzentrum Oberlausitzer Bergland.