WOOD STORK
The WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana) is a large American wading bird in the family Ciconiidae (storks), the only member of the family to breed in North America. It was formerly called the “wood ibis”, though it is not an ibis. It is found in subtropical and tropical habitats in the Americas, including the Caribbean. In South America, it is resident, but in North America, it may disperse as far as Florida. Originally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, this stork likely evolved in tropical regions. The head and neck are bare of feathers, and dark grey in color. The plumage is mostly white, with the exception of the tail and some of the wing feathers, which are black with a greenish-purplish sheen. The juvenile differs from the adult, with the former having a feathered head and a yellow bill, compared to the black adult bill. There is little sexual dimorphism.
Photo Gallery
HJ Ruiz – September 19th, 2023
H.J. Ruiz - Avian101 
I’ve only seen these birds a couple of times, but they certainly are impressive! The funniest photo I have of them shows a few standing at the edge of a slough, with a black-necked stilt wandering around beneath them, not even coming up to their knees.
I always make sure I took pictures of them because they are so shy and they do not like to socialize, they are large birds! Thank you!
One of my favorites. Nice capture of the odd way they sit 👍
I like them, too. I couldn’t pass to shoot while sitting. I ‘ve never seen them do that!
😂🤣, not even sure how they manage to get back up LOL
Wonderful pictures!!
Than you so much, Indira!
Whta excellent photographs of a really striking bird! It has a much more prehistoric feel to it than the White Stork, which is the only member of the family I’ve ever seen…….a bird the size of a Jumbo Jet !!!
I know that the Wood Stork is not a pretty bird, but it is part of Nature, quite big I realize. They are OK!
Great photos and information HJ 🙂
Thank you very much, mate!
Lovely shots of this large bird HJ
Thank you so much, Ashley.