Many storks now stay through winter
75 years ago, the white stork was considered extinct in Switzerland. Today it has re-established itself – and impresses not only through its return, but also through its changed migratory behaviour: more and more of these birds remain in Switzerland during winter, rather than overwintering far to the south as they once did.
Two decades ago, around 200 stork pairs were counted.
In 2025, this number rose to an impressive 1’250 breeding pairs. A clear trend is emerging towards shorter migration routes or remaining entirely in the breeding area.
By now, only half of the white storks breeding in Switzerland migrate south at all. Most stay at nearby landfill sites in Spain or Portugal – places where they find sufficient food. Only a few birds fly further to Africa.
Winter in Switzerland – no obstacle
Even in snow, storks find enough food such as mice, frogs, worms or insects – depending on what is available. When there are no young to tend to, energy requirements are low. The birds rest frequently and fly little, thereby minimising their food intake.
In some municipalities such as Avenches (VD) or Uznach (SG), white storks have long been part of the winter scene. In Avenches, the development is particularly striking: last year 54 pairs bred there; this year the number has already reached 94. As early as 2023, around 650 storks overwintered in Switzerland – approximately one third of the total population. The proportion was particularly high in the Basel region.
The white stork is today a symbol of adaptation and change: a geographic refuge – once its breeding landscape – is increasingly becoming its winter quarters as well. The rapid population recovery and the shift in migratory rhythm reflect the interplay between conservation programmes, climate change, and the food supply in both urban and rural areas. In this way, the stork is writing a new chapter in its history – and reshaping our winters along with it.
The change in migration behavior of white storks is not unique — other native bird species are also increasingly remaining in Central Europe during winter. Modern studies attribute these shifted patterns to milder winters resulting from climate change.
Blackbird and starling — from migratory bird to resident bird
Just a few decades ago, blackbirds and starlings migrated in large numbers to the Mediterranean region. Today, many of them overwinter directly in Switzerland or southern Germany. Here too, the same principle applies: winters have become milder, snow cover shorter, and food available for longer. As a result, the long journey south is simply no longer worthwhile.
Red kite — a success story like the stork
Particularly striking is the case of the red kite. Originally, it wintered almost exclusively in Spain. Meanwhile, thousands of these birds of prey remain in Switzerland as well — particularly in the Mittelland. Their populations have recovered strongly as a result.
Barn swallow and common swift — still faithful long-distance migrants
Barn swallows and common swifts behave quite differently. They feed almost exclusively on insects in the air and depend on warm climates. That is why they continue to fly as far as West or South Africa to survive the winter. For these species, long-distance bird migration remains vital for survival.
