Flock of Around 67 White Storks Reaches Malta on Migration Route

29 September 2026, 19:00

A flock of approximately 67 white storks arrived over the Maltese Islands on Tuesday afternoon, presenting a rare and striking spectacle in local skies during their seasonal journey across the Mediterranean.

The birds were monitored as they crossed into Maltese airspace, with ornithological observers tracking the flock following alerts from international conservation partners. Several of the storks are fitted with GPS tracking devices to assist European researchers in monitoring long-distance bird migration patterns.

BirdLife Malta indicated that advance coordination with overseas partners helped local conservationists prepare for the arrival, allowing researchers and wildlife enthusiasts to observe the flock's movements across various parts of the country.

White storks typically traverse the central Mediterranean corridor during their autumn migration from breeding territories in mainland Europe towards wintering grounds across sub-Saharan Africa. The Maltese archipelago frequently serves as a temporary waypoint or resting area for broad-winged migratory species relying on thermal air currents.

Sightings of large flocks of white storks are relatively uncommon over Malta, often drawing significant public attention and the deployment of monitoring teams to ensure their safety while resting on high ground or open countryside.

Conservation organisations have continued to track the flock's flight path as the birds navigate local airspace, with observers urging the public to appreciate the natural phenomenon without causing disturbance to any roosting birds.