Systematics editSee also:
The Pelecaniformes family includes the families Ardeidae, Balaenicipitidae, Scopidae, and Threskiornithidae, according to a DNA study. This would make Ciconiidae the only group. [11][12].
Storks were distinct and possibly widespread by the Oligocene. Storks appear to have originated in the Palaeogene, perhaps 40–50 million years ago (mya), like most families of aquatic birds. See the genus articles for the fossil record of extant genera, which has been recorded since the Middle Miocene (roughly 15 mya), at least in some cases.
There is no record of a stork species or subspecies going extinct in the past. After a thorough review of the literature, nearly 1,000 papers on storks were found. However, the majority of stork species were found to lack scientific knowledge, which suggests that many of them should be listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List. There is no record of storks being present on the Mascarene Islands, however a Ciconia bone discovered in a rock shelter on the island of Réunion was most likely from a bird that early settlers took there for food.
In culture edit Storks feature in several of
Many ancient mythologies feature stories and legends involving storks. During the Old Kingdom, saddle-billed storks were utilized to symbolize the ba, the Ancient Egyptian concept of the soul, and were regarded as some of the most powerful animals in Egypt. [47] A stork might have also served as the inspiration for Bennu, the Egyptian deity who later served as the model for the phoenix; however, it is more likely that an ibis or heron did. Muslims have historically held storks in high regard as well because they made the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca during their migration. [50].
Storks are portrayed in Greek and Roman mythology as symbols of devoted parents. In his book De natura animalium (book 3, chapter 23), the third-century Roman author Aelian wrote, quoting Alexander of Myndus, that old storks flew off to oceanic islands where, in exchange for their devotion to their parents, they were changed into humans. In addition, storks were believed to provide for their elderly parents by feeding and even carrying them, and children’s literature portrayed them as exemplars of filial piety. Greek law, known as Pelargonia (derived from the word pelargos, which means stork), mandated that citizens look after their elderly parents. The Greeks also believed that killing a stork could result in death [citation needed]. [52].
What Do Storks Eat?
Even though their prey is relatively small, these birds typically consume whatever is nearby. Frogs and toads, fish, rodents, earthworms, mollusks and crustaceans, insects, and tadpoles make up the majority of their diet. They occasionally prey on other birds’ eggs or young chicks.
FAQ
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