Pfeilstorch – Wikipedia
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Migrating stork which has been hit by an arrow
Pfeilstorch (German for ‘arrow stork’, pronounced [ˈpfaɪ̯l.ˌʃtɔɐ̯ç]; plural Pfeilstörche, [-ˌʃtœɐ̯.çə]) is a stork that’s been injured by an arrow whereas wintering in Africa and returns to Europe with the arrow nonetheless caught in its physique. As of 2003, about 25 Pfeilstörche have been documented in Germany.[1]
The primary and most well-known Pfeilstorch was a white stork present in 1822 close to the German village of Klütz, within the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It was carrying a 75-centimetre (30 in) spear from central Africa in its neck.[2][3] The specimen was stuffed and might be seen right now within the zoological collection of the University of Rostock. It’s subsequently known as the Rostocker Pfeilstorch.[4][5][6]
This Pfeilstorch was essential in understanding the migration of European birds. Earlier than migration was understood, individuals struggled to elucidate the sudden annual disappearance of birds just like the white stork and barn swallow. In addition to migration, some theories of the time held that they became different kinds of birds, mice, or hibernated underwater in the course of the winter, and such theories have been even propagated by zoologists of the time.[7][8][9] The Rostocker Pfeilstorch particularly proved that birds migrate lengthy distances to wintering grounds.[10]
References[edit]
Additional studying[edit]
- Hagen, H. (1975). “Beobachtung eines Pfeilstorches in Ost-Afrika” [White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) with arrow protruding from its body seen in East Africa]. Ornithologische Mitteilungen (in German). 27 (5): 111–112.
