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Wood Stork

Mycteria americana ORDER: CICONIIFORMES FAMILY: CICONIIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Wood Stork Photo

© William L. Newton / CLO

A large, white, bald-headed wading bird of the southeastern swamps, the Wood Stork is the only stork breeding in the United States. Its late winter breeding season is timed to the Florida dry season when its fish prey become concentrated in shrinking pools.

Inside Birding
For complete information on this species, visit The Birds of North America Online.

Appearance

Heronlike
Heronlike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Huge, long-legged white bird.
  • Long, thick, down-curved bill.
  • Head black and bald.
  • Wings white with extensive black flight feathers.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but neck and most of head feathered whitish.

Range Map Help

Wood Stork Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Similar Species

  • Egrets have straight bills, white heads, and lack black in wings.
  • White Ibis is much smaller, has a bright red face and bill, and has black only at the tips of the wings.
  • White Pelican has similarly marked wings, but lacks dark head and long legs.