Marchegg white storks set record with 147 young birds

Marchegg’s white storks have produced a record 147 young birds this year, nine more than the previous high recorded in 1996, ORF reported, citing the WWF.

The number of breeding pairs also matched a record, with 46 pairs recorded in 2026, equal to the figure from 1994. At an average of about three chicks per pair, the number of young birds per pair reached an all-time high.

The figures come from monitoring by the AURING association in the WWF Marchegg floodplain reserve, on the grounds of Marchegg Castle, in Markthof and in the city of Marchegg.

“These encouraging figures are a great success for species conservation and highlight the importance of the WWF floodplain reserve for biodiversity,” WWF representative Jurrien Westerhof said.

White storks need suitable nesting sites and food-rich areas nearby. Karin Donnerbaum, a biologist with AURING, said Marchegg offered both conditions. The reserve’s near-natural management also supported the quality of the habitat, according to the WWF.

Grazing by cattle and semi-wild Konik horses creates features such as dung heaps, wallows and different vegetation levels. The WWF said these benefited many other animal and plant species as well as white storks.

The approximately 1,100-hectare Marchegg floodplain reserve is home to more than 500 endangered animal and plant species, including white-tailed eagles, black storks and red kites. The WWF said Marchegg demonstrated what long-term conservation could achieve and again called on politicians to launch a nationwide restoration initiative in Austria.