Order Ciconiiformes / Storks, Herons, & Vultures

Here are some of the interesting characteristics of birds in the order Ciconiiformes.

• Most Ciconiiformes have long necks, long beaks, and feet without webbing. Most birds in this order are either large or medium-sized.
• The bodies of Ciconiiformes are short and stocky, while wings are large;
• The tail in these birds is usually short.
• Though most birds in the order have long bills, different species have different adaptations: some have long and thin dagger-like bills, while new world vultures have bills adapted for eating meat, with serrated edges.
• The plumage of most species in the order combines most uncomplicated colors – grey, white and black.
• Some species, for example, herons, have ornamental plumes used during the breeding season for courtship.
• Most species of the order are found in tropical and subtropical areas, though species such as storks and herons can be found in more temperate regions.
• The representatives of the order (except vultures) mostly settle in wetlands, sometimes searching for food near shorelines of large bodies of water.
• Many species of Ciconiiformes form roosts on trees, to which they return yearly.
• There are both sedentary and migratory species in this order.
• Most birds in the order are not particularly vocal and do not rely on sound for communication.
• Ciconiiformes feed on fish and other aquatic animals. Some species can feed on small mammals and very rarely fruit and seeds.
• Nests are built from sticks and on the trees.
• Both parents care for the young, born helpless and naked.
• Only vultures build no nests – eggs are usually laid in caves or under bushes.
• 21 species of Ciconiiformes are seriously threatened. They are vulnerable due to predation, hunting, and destruction of habitat, as well as pollution.

Here are some common species from this order Ciconiiformes:

• Great blue heron, Ardea herodias
• Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
• Snowy egret, Egretta thula
• Shoebill, Balaeniceps rex
• Jabiru, Jabiru mycteria
• Marabou stork, Leptoptilos crumeniferus
• White Ibis, Eudocimus albus
• Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura
• California condor, Gymnogyps californianus