דברים, פרק י״ד, פסוק י״ח

The Torah outlines strict dietary laws, specifically separating pure creatures from impure ones across all domains of the animal kingdom. The catalog of forbidden winged creatures concludes by detailing a few unique species, bringing the complete count to exactly twenty-four impure birds. This final number is reached because certain plural terms broaden the categories to include additional variations [אדרת אליהו]. Just as there are clear boundaries of purity for land animals and fish, similar rules apply to the sky. While permissible birds are generally identified and eaten based on passed-down traditions, the forbidden ones possess distinct, recognizable signs of impurity [בכור שור].

Among these final creatures is the stork. Its identity has been known since ancient times, though history records instances where certain communities mistakenly consumed it, believing it to be a pure species [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The Hebrew name for the stork is rooted in the concept of kindness, reflecting its protective and caring behavior toward its own companions. It is also noted for a unique habit of immersing itself in water after mating. Some identify this bird specifically as the white kite [אדרת אליהו].

A closely related creature is the heron, which shares a slight physical resemblance to the stork [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. It is sometimes identified as an aggressive or angry type of bird, likely belonging to a larger family that includes numerous species [נתינה לגר, אדרת אליהו]. Next is the hoopoe, traditionally recognized as the wild rooster. It is easily distinguished by its famous double comb and the prominent crest of feathers resting on its head [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The catalog ends with a fascinating addition: the bat. This creature is notable for its blindness, and by modern zoological standards, it is not classified as a bird at all [ביאור שטיינזלץ, בכור שור]. Nevertheless, because it is a flying creature, it is grouped with the birds [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. One might wonder why it is placed here rather than in the subsequent section discussing flying swarming insects. That later category is specifically defined by creatures that walk on four or more legs. Since the bat does not walk on four legs but navigates the air, its proper classification within these laws is set at the very end of the bird list [ברכת אשר על התורה].