Bird · GBIF taxon 2481937
Wood Stork
Mycteria americanaThe Wood Stork is a very large white wading bird with black flight feathers, a bare dark head, and a heavy downcurved bill. It sweeps that open bill through shallow water and snaps it shut when touch reveals prey.
Wading BirdTactile FeederWetland Colony
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Small fish
- Crayfish
- Frogs
Predators
- Alligators
- Raccoons
- Large raptors
ThreatsAltered water cycles, wetland loss, colony disturbance, pollution, drought, and reduced prey concentration
HabitatsFreshwater marshes, swamps, mangroves, flooded forest, ponds, ditches, and tidal wetlands
Life spanOften 15 to 20 years, with some wild birds living longer
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCiconiidae
- SpeciesMycteria americana
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Keep a generous distance from feeding groups, rookeries, and drying wetland pools.
Responsible observation
- Head: Adults show bare dark skin above a heavy curved bill.
- Flight: Look for black trailing wings and a fully extended neck.
- Distance: Remain far enough away that feeding birds never pause or lift off.
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