Ciconiiformes

Historically, this order included a large number of species (more than 1,000), some of which were very distant phylogenetically. Modern classifications based on molecular data have subsequently subdivided the Ciconiiformes into a dozen different orders. At present, the order includes only the storks, tantalums, open-billed, jabirus and marabou species. These are large wading birds, all with large, long beaks.