Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long, stout bills. They belong to the family Ciconiidae and make up the order Ciconiiformes
. Storks are primarily found in Asia, Africa, and South America, and they are related to herons, flamingos, and ibises
. There are about 20 living species of storks in six genera
. Some key characteristics of storks include:
- Size : Storks range from about 60 cm to more than 150 cm (2 to 5 feet) in height
- Appearance : They have long legs, long necks, and long bills, with white, black, and gray feathers
- Habitat : Storks dwell in many regions, including open grasslands, light woodlands, marshes, wet meadows, rivers, and ponds
- Diet : Most storks eat frogs, fish, insects, earthworms, small birds, and small mammals
- Nesting : Storks are known for their large nests, which can be used for many years. Some nests have been known to grow to over 2 meters (6 ft 7 in) in diameter and about 3 meters (9.8 ft) in depth
- Behavior : Storks are voiceless or nearly so, and they communicate using bill-clattering
. They are also known for their soaring, gliding flight, which conserves energy
Storks are often migratory, and their populations are decreasing partly due to agricultural changes and industrialization by humans
