Wood Stork
NameWood Stork
Common NameWood Stork
Scientific NameMycteria americana
FamilyCiconiidae
Wingspan (cm)160
Length (cm)100
Weight (g)2500
Plumage DetailsAdults have mostly white plumage with black primary and secondary flight feathers, visible during flight and when wings are spread. The head and upper neck are featherless and dark gray to black, giving it a distinctive bald appearance. The bill is long, thick, and decurved, yellowish-brown to dark gray.
Vocalization / CallWood Storks are generally silent outside of the breeding colony. They may produce hissing sounds or bill-clattering, especially during courtship or when disturbed.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southeastern United States, Central America, and South America, primarily in tropical and subtropical wetlands.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, White body with black flight feathers, Bald, dark gray to black head and neck, Long, thick, decurved bill, Wading behavior in shallow water, Tactile feeding method
Description
The Wood Stork is a large wading bird characterized by its white plumage, black flight feathers, and a distinctive bald, dark head and neck. It typically forages in shallow wetlands, using its long, decurved bill to tactilely search for prey in murky waters.
