An Overview of the Storks of the World
1987; Volume: 10; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.2307/1521251
ISSN2326-3970
Autores Tópico(s)Genetic diversity and population structure
ResumoThe stork family (Ciconiidae) includes 17-19 species, depending upon which classification is followed. They are widely distributed, mainly in the Old World Tropics. Being large, conspicuous, and easily observed, storks are well known birds throughout their range. Several populations are threatened or en- dangered. The family has three distinct subdivisions or tribes. The wood stork/openbill group contains six medium-sized members that have generalized courtship but specialized feeding behavior. The five to seven species of typical storks are all somewhat similar, with mainly black-and-white plumage and straight bills. The giant storks comprise six species with impressive stature and massive bills. This account will illustrate and briefly describe the various species, based on the author's eleven-year field study of the group on a worldwide basis.
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