Tunisian Cities Welcome Migratory Storks for the Spring Season

The white stork has returned to Tunisia, marking its annual migration from sub-Saharan Africa with a symbolic presence in cities and villages. Known locally as "belarj" or affectionately as "Hajj Qassem," the bird is a cultural icon whose long-distance travels are likened to a pilgrimage in Tunisian folklore.

 Settling in wetlands and agricultural plains, the storks often build massive, permanent nests atop houses and utility poles, where they are protected by residents as symbols of peace and seasonal renewal.

 This harmonious coexistence reflects Tunisia's strategic position on the migration route between Africa and Europe, blending natural history with deeply rooted heritage as the birds return each spring to nest and breed.