Storks

/stɔːrks/ noun

Definition

Large wading birds with long legs and long beaks, found worldwide; also the birds associated with delivering babies in folklore.

Etymology

From Old English 'storc,' Germanic origin; the baby-delivery myth likely started because storks were noticed nesting on chimneys and buildings where human births occurred.

Kelly Says

Storks became the 'baby delivery' symbol in European folklore partly because they return from migration every spring, which coincided with human pregnancies—plus white storks nest on chimneys, making them literal roof neighbors.

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