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== Stork ==

'''Stork''' (/stɔːrk/), from the Old English word 'storc', is a large, long-legged, long-necked wading bird with a long, stout bill. They belong to the family [[Ciconiidae]]. They are the only family in the order [[Ciconiiformes]], which was once much larger and held a number of families.

=== Etymology ===

The word 'stork' is derived from the Old English word 'storc', and is related to the Old Norse 'storkr', and the Old High German 'storch'. The word is believed to be of imitative origin, mimicking the harsh call of the bird.

=== Species ===

There are 19 living species of storks in six genera. Some of the most well-known species include the [[White Stork]], the [[Black Stork]], and the [[Marabou Stork]]. Storks are found in various parts of the world and tend to live in drier habitats than the closely related herons, spoonbills and ibises.

=== Characteristics ===

Storks are large to very large waterbirds. They range in size from the [[Marabou Stork]], which stands 152 cm (60 in) tall, to the [[Abdim's Stork]], which is only 75 cm (30 in) high. They are strong, heavy birds with wide wingspans. The bill is typically large and straight.

=== Behavior ===

Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Many species are migratory. Most storks eat frogs, fish, insects, earthworms, small birds and small mammals.

=== In Culture ===

Storks have been associated with good fortune and prosperity in many cultures. In Western culture, storks are often associated with delivering babies, a folklore popularized by the story "The Storks" by Hans Christian Andersen.

[[Category:Birds]]
[[Category:Storks]]

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