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Stork

Storks are large wading birds in the family Ciconiidae, known for long legs, long necks, and strong bills.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Storks are large wading birds in the family Ciconiidae, known for long legs, long necks, and strong bills. They live on most continents, usually near shallow water, and feed mainly on small animals. They are especially diverse in warm regions of Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Classification and description

Storks belong to the family Ciconiidae and are large wading birds with long legs, long necks, and powerful bills. Sources describe about 19 to 20 living species, with family-level placement consistent across references.

Distribution and habitat

Storks occur on all continents except Antarctica. They are most common in warm regions of Africa, Asia, and Europe, and many species live near wetlands, shallow water, or open fields.

Feeding and behaviour

Storks are carnivores that feed on fish, frogs, insects, snails, and other small animals. They usually forage by wading and either probing with their bills or watching and seizing prey.

Species and conservation

Well-known storks include the white stork, wood stork, marabou stork, and several adjutants. Some species are under conservation pressure, with a few listed as Endangered and others as Vulnerable.

Key facts

  • Storks are medium to large wading birds with long legs, long necks, and stout bills.
  • Most species have white, black, and grey plumage, and many have brightly coloured bills.
  • They are found on every continent except Antarctica, with most species living in warm regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
  • Storks are carnivorous and typically eat fish, frogs, insects, and other small animals.
  • The wood stork is the only stork native to North America.
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Canadian context

Storks are not native to Canada, but they may be relevant to Canadian readers through birdwatching, wildlife education, and zoo collections. A few species, such as the wood stork, occur in North America, though generally far south of Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is a stork?
A stork is a large wading bird in the family Ciconiidae, known for a long neck, long legs, and a stout bill.
What do storks eat?
Storks are carnivorous and eat fish, frogs, insects, snails, reptiles, and other small animals.
Where do storks live?
Storks live on all continents except Antarctica, with most species found in warm parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe.
How many species of stork are there?
Sources in the results give totals ranging from about 19 to 20 living species.
Are storks related to herons?
Storks are often grouped near herons in older classifications, but modern sources place them in their own family, Ciconiidae.
Which stork lives in North America?
The wood stork is the only stork native to North America.

References

  1. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/storks-ciconiidae
    Supports: General description, diet, distribution, number of species, and conservation status.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/stork
    Supports: Family Ciconiidae, species count, and relationship to other bird groups.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stork
    Supports: Number of living species, broad classification, and general characteristics.
  4. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/stork/353816
    Supports: General characteristics, distribution, diet, and North American presence of the wood stork.