Wood Stork
Mycteria americana
Least Concern
The only stork species breeding in the United States. Tall, white wading bird with a bald, dark head and heavy downward-curved bill. Feeds by touch — sweeping its open bill through shallow water and snapping shut in milliseconds.
Size large
Habitat wetland, freshwater
Diet Fish, crayfish, frogs, aquatic invertebrates
Colors white, black
Behavior
Tactile feeder — relies on touch, not sight. Nests in large colonies (rookeries) in cypress swamps. Requires specific water levels for successful nesting.
⚠️ Safety
Observe from distance to avoid disturbing nesting colonies. Protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Fun Facts
- Bill snap reflex is one of the fastest in the animal kingdom (25 milliseconds)
- Downlisted from Endangered to Threatened in 2014
- Stands over 3 feet tall with a 5-foot wingspan
- Nesting colonies can exceed 1,000 pairs
Where to See
Identify This Species
Use our Species Identifier to learn how to distinguish the Wood Stork from similar species.
