wood stork

1. Nombre del ave
The bird species focused on is the Wood Stork, which is scientifically known as Mycteria americana.

2. Aspecto
The Wood Stork is a large, white wading bird adorned with a distinct black tail and black feathered wings, which are more conspicuous while in flight. Their heads are devoid of any feathers and are covered in scaly skin which is dark grey in color, a signature feature that distinguishes them from other similar species. The Wood Stork possesses a long, stout, and slightly curved beak which is typical of storks. Their eyes are a deep-set, penetrating brown. It’s worthy of note that males and females have similar appearances with no visible sexual dimorphism.

3. Tamaño
Wood Storks are considerably large birds. On average, their body length ranges from 83 to 115 cm (33 to 45 inches). They boast a wingspan that ranges from 153 to 165 cm (60 to 65 inches), marking impressive dimensions. Regarding weight, Wood Storks typically fall within a range of 2 to 3.5 kg (4.4 to 7.7 lbs).

4. Hábitat y distribución
Wood Storks are prevalent in the southeastern part of the United States, primarily in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia. They are also common throughout Central and South America. Their preferred habitats include swamps, wetlands, and agricultural fields. Generally, they favor habitats with a significant aquatic or semi-aquatic ecosystem, which offers sufficient food supply for their survival and growth.

5. Datos de interés
Several interesting facts distinguish the Wood Stork. Firstly, they are the only stork that breeds in the United States. In a fascinating display of skill, Wood Storks feed by tacto-location which involves them rapidly opening and closing their bills in water to catch fish. Their cultural significance spans cultures and continents, often being associated with fertility and death symbolism.

6. Dieta
Wood Storks are primarily carnivorous, relying significantly on small fish for sustenance. They have been known to venture into freshwater and brackish water environments to forage for their food, which apart from fish, also includes amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.

7. Comportamiento y sonidos
Wood Storks are known for their characteristic nesting style, congregating in large groups known as colonies, sometimes with other species. They are largely silent, but not entirely mute, with their sounds ranging from low grunts to bill-clattering during courting rituals.

8. Estado de conservación
Despite a steady recovery in recent years, the Wood Stork is still classified as ‘Threatened’ under the Endangered Species Act in the USA. According to the IUCN Red List, the bird’s status for nearly three decades was ‘Endangered. Recently, in 2014, this status was upgraded to ‘Conservation Dependent’ owing to successful conservation initiatives.

9. Vida útil
The lifespan of the Wood Stork in the wild can extend up to 11-18 years.

10. Notas adicionales
Locally, the Wood Stork is also referred to as “flinthead,” or “ironhead” because of the rugged appearance of its head. They are often quite comfortable in the presence of humans, especially when nesting. Within their ecosystems, they play an essential role in controlling fish populations. However, they also serve as indicators of the health of the ecosystem due to their sensitivity to changes in water levels and quality.