The Wood Stork is a large, distinctive wading bird found in the Americas, characterized by its bald, scaly head and neck, down-curved bill, and mostly white plumage with black flight feathers.
Where to spot
Widespread across the southeastern United States, Central America, and South America, especially east of the Andes. Favors wetlands, swamps, estuaries, and shallow freshwater or brackish areas.
How to spot
Look for its large size, bald dark head and neck, down-curved bill, and overall white plumage with black wingtips visible in flight. Often seen wading slowly in shallow water, using its bill to probe for fish and amphibians. They often roost communally in trees.
When to spot
Can be observed year-round in its resident range. Breeding often coincides with the dry season, concentrating prey in shrinking water bodies.
Where to spot
Widespread across the southeastern United States, Central America, and South America, especially east of the Andes. Favors wetlands, swamps, estuaries, and shallow freshwater or brackish areas.
How to spot
Look for its large size, bald dark head and neck, down-curved bill, and overall white plumage with black wingtips visible in flight. Often seen wading slowly in shallow water, using its bill to probe for fish and amphibians. They often roost communally in trees.
When to spot
Can be observed year-round in its resident range. Breeding often coincides with the dry season, concentrating prey in shrinking water bodies.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
This stork employs a unique tactile feeding method called 'gaping' or 'grope-feeding,' where it wades with its bill submerged and slightly open, snapping shut rapidly when prey touches it.
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