Huge, long-legged, black-and-white waterbird, about the size of Great Blue Heron. Bill is thicker and more curved than herons. Forages mainly for fish by moving open bill through water until it feels prey. Found in wetlands, particularly flooded swamps and shallow ponds.
- Conservation Status : Least concern
- Habitat : Coastal Wetlands and Backwaters, Freshwater Lakes, Freshwater rivers and lakes
- Class: Aves
- Order: Ciconiiformes
- Family: Ciconiidae
- Genus: Mycteria
Diet
Fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals
Colors
White body with black flight feathers. Adults have a wrinkly bald head and fairly dark bill; juveniles have paler bill and more messy feathering on head and neck.
Fun Facts
Often soars, sometimes with vultures. In Middle and South America, compare with Jabiru, which is even larger than Wood Stork and has entirely white wings.