Storks are huge wading birds with elongated legs and extended necks. Their beaks are also long and stout. They are classified under the family of birds Ciconiidae. Storks are common in warm areas, and can be found in most warm parts of the world. Storks often inhabit dry areas, and this is a characteristic that distinguishes them from related birds like Ibises which prefer swampy habitats. On the other hand, storks produce no sound. Instead, they clang their beaks as a means to communicate amongst each other. Most species of storks are nomadic. Storks feed on small insects and smaller birds, including frogs, small fish and other smaller mammals. Other characteristics of storks include the fact that they prefer to soar while air-borne. This mode of flight helps them to use less energy. Since they are huge and heavy, their wide wings are ideal for soaring, which is basically the use of warm air waves in propelling the bird in flight.

Storks’ nests are usually quite huge, and they can last for several years. Initially, storks were thought to be monogamous, until later discoveries pointed to the possibility that they could be practicing serial monogamy. After moving from one place to another, they often change mates. Moreover, storks usually move without a mate. However, they are fond of their partners all the same, and they keep a single partner at a time. This fondness is equally exhibited in their habitations, hence the notion that they are monogamous.

Due to their sheer size, their faithfulness to a single mate and commitment to their habitat or nest, storks have stood out to be unique birds. As a result of their mystic nature, there emerged several myths not only concerning their monogamy, but also regarding, and derived from other unique aspects of the stork. Some people believe that having storks nearby ids a good sign.

Storks are widely distributed, and they can be found in virtually all parts of the world with an exception of the Antarctic regions. Most storks live in warm regions in Africa, Europe and Asia. Only the species known as the wood stork is known to be found in North America. While the marabou storks prefer dry grasslands, these areas are carefully chosen to be near water sources. Many other storks inhabit wet areas with shallow water. Thus, storks generally inhabit a variety of environments. Black storks, for example, are common in forests in European and Asian areas. These forests are usually close to water sources such as rivers or ponds. With this kind of diversity in living areas, some storks are even said to live near people in some European cities.

Storks mostly feed on meat, hence they are carnivores. They eat insects, snails, fish, frogs and so on. Sometimes, storks look for food under water by reaching under water with their beaks. At the same time, other storks just look out and grab prey. Marabou storks sometimes clean up rotten and decomposing flesh, like vultures.