STORK
(Hebrew “anapha”) “affectionate.” Designates the family of birds that includes the heron, the ibis and other similar species. Considered unclean (Lev. 11:19), it nests in beech and cypress trees (Ps. 104:17).
The northern Palestine white stork spends winters in Africa. The ancients revered it as a symbol of filial piety. It protects agriculture by feeding on reptiles and harmful insects. The black stork frequents the Dead Sea.