Photo by Paul Halphen
Latin Name: Mycteria americana
Species: Birds
Conservation Status: S2 - Imperiled
The wood stork, one of the largest wading birds in South Carolina, is easy to spot in Lowcountry marshes. They have a bald head with scaly gray skin, and a white feathered body; the black feathers on their wings are only visible in flight. Wood storks have a curved beak and long legs for foraging in shallow, muddy water. They measure 33-45 inches tall and have a 59-68 inch wingspan.
Range & Habitat (map)
Wood storks primarily inhabit coastal regions of Central and South America, but their range extends into the coastal southeastern United States. Preferring shallow water, wood storks inhabit wetlands such as cypress swamps, salt marshes, and mangroves.
Diet
Wood storks are wading birds that search for, locate and stalk their prey. To successfully hunt in muddy waters, they use their large bill to feel around. Wood storks primarily eat fish and crustaceans but may also eat seeds, small reptiles, amphibians, and even nestlings of other birds.
Life History
Like many other wading birds, wood storks nest in trees surrounded by water. They begin their nesting period in late winter and breeding continues through summer. Wood storks build nests three to five feet wide using sticks. Eggs will hatch after 30 days of incubation, and hatchlings make rattling noises in the nest. Young wood storks begin to fly at eight weeks old, but adults will continue feeding them for up to 11 weeks.
Significance
Their dependence on coastal wetlands makes wood storks a great indicator of ecosystem health. They were considered endangered in the 1980’s but have since been reclassified as threatened due to successful conservation efforts in Florida. In the Port Royal Sound area, wood storks attract birders year-round, especially during nesting season.
Threats & How You Can Help
Although wood storks are no longer endangered, they remain threatened by the development and alteration of their wetland habitats. Another threat, climate change, causes variable precipitation that can alter salinity (salt content), induce flooding, or cause drought in these ecosystems. To continue protecting the wood stork, it is recommended to keep your distance from—and never disturb—birds that are nesting.
Additional Info
The wood stork’s bald head is used as an adaptation to foraging in muddy wetlands. A feathered head would trap dirt and water, potentially causing health issues.