Vertebrate Zoology: A Study Guide - T. A. Dauda 2014

Metazoans
Class Aves
Superorder Carinatae — Order Ciconiiformes, or Waders

Medium to large-sized ciconiiforms are semi-aquatic birds characterized by long legs and necks, typically powerful, elongated, straight chisel-like bills, and broad wings. Their feet are four-toed with long digits, three of which are connected by a small web. Their flight is unhurried, featuring slow wingbeats. Their primary diet consists of various animals, including fish, frogs, insects, and small rodents. The chicks are altricial, remaining in the nest for an extended period and being fed by their parents until fully developed. They nest in pairs or occasionally in colonies within reed beds and rushes, while some species nest in trees. Distributed worldwide except for the Arctic and Antarctic, they inhabit the marshy shores of rivers and lakes, as well as wetlands.

The best-known representatives of Ciconiiformes are storks and herons. Storks include large members of the order with long, straight bills that taper to a point. Most lack vocal cords, making these birds virtually silent. Storks inhabit the drier regions of steppes, forests, and mountains. Pairs build large stick nests in trees and on cliffs, while the white stork even nests on human structures. They feed on frogs, lizards, snakes, Mollusks, and insects (frequently those harmful to agriculture). The white stork is found in our country, often nesting in human settlements, whereas the black stork avoids human proximity.

Herons are relatively large birds with long, straight bills that are pointed at the tip. Most of them build nests in tall trees or reed beds and frequently congregate in colonies. They typically forage in Water, catching fish, amphibians, and insects. The great egret nests in the southern zone of the European part of Russia, as well as in the Caucasus and southwestern Siberia. Its plumage is pure white regardless of sex, age, or season. During the breeding season, long, filamentous decorative plumes known as aigrettes grow on its back, cascading over the tail. Several decades ago, the great egret was nearly driven to extinction due to a surge in demand for these plumes; however, the population of this species has since recovered. The grey heron is quite numerous in Central and Southern Europe. It is typically light grey with black "eyebrows" and a crest, and is an exceptionally wary bird.