Multiple Origins of the Ciconiiformes

In the course of investigating the relationships of flamingos (Phoenicopteridae), it became increasingly apparent to me that the order Ciconiiformes is probably an entirely artificial assemblage consisting of various long-legged, long-necked, altricial waterbirds having little else in common. The charadriiform affinities of flamingos are being documented in some detail elsewhere (Olson and Feduccia, MS) and I shall attempt here only a summary of the evidence assembled so far in that regard. I would like to use this opportunity to put on record some preliminary ideas concerning the possible relationships of the remaining five families of Ciconiiformes (storks, Ciconiidae; shoebill stork, Balaenicipitidae; hammerhead, Scopidae; ibises and spoonbills, Threskiornithidae; herons, Ardeidae).