|
Wood Storks measure three feet in length, weigh over five pounds and have a wingspan of five feet. Their plumage is white except for the short tail and primary and secondary flight feathers, which are black with an iridescent sheen. The unfeathered head and upper neck are covered with rough, scaly, dark gray skin. The long bill is stout, curving slightly downward at the end. Males are larger than females, but the sexes are otherwise alike. Immature birds are grayish, with dusky head feathers and yellowish bills.
Wood Storks often feed in groups, constantly moving through open shallow wetlands where their fish prey is highly concentrated. They primarily consume saltwater and brackish fish species less than ten inches long, especially sunfish. On occasion, they also eat amphibians, crustaceans, reptiles, mammals, arthropods, and other birds.
Not considered true migrants, Wood Storks move in response to the availability of food. When food is scarce, the birds relocate to areas of greater abundance.
|