Woodstorks (Mycteria americana) are large wading birds found in wetlands across the southeastern United States, parts of Central and South America, and the Caribbean. These unique birds are known for their bald heads, long legs, and characteristic way of feeding with their bills partially open.
Range and Habitat
Woodstorks have a wide range across North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. In the United States, they are found from North Carolina southward across the Gulf Coast states to Florida and westward into Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Breeding populations are concentrated in Florida, Georgia, and coastal South Carolina.
Woodstorks inhabit both freshwater and saltwater wetlands. They nest in swamps, lagoons, marshes, ponds, flooded fields, and along rivers and streams. Their ideal habitat has standing water 6 inches to 1 foot deep with lots of fish, amphibians, and invertebrates to eat. Trees like cypress, mangroves, and live oaks are required for nesting sites.
Range Map
Here is a range map showing the breeding, year-round, and non-breeding range of woodstorks in the Americas:
Breeding
Woodstorks build nests in trees near wetland feeding sites. Nests are large, made of sticks, and can be reused for several years. Woodstorks nest in colonies called rookeries, with up to several hundred nests in a single site.
The breeding season lasts from February to July. Females lay 3-5 eggs that hatch in about 30 days. Woodstork chicks are altricial, meaning they hatch helpless and rely on their parents for food and care. Both parents feed the chicks by regurgitating food into the nest. Chicks fledge in about 60 days.
Major Breeding Colonies
Some of the major woodstork breeding colonies are found in:
- Florida Everglades
- Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia
- Harris Neck, Georgia
- Wakulla and St. Marks Refuges, Florida
- Corkscrew Swamp, Florida
- San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Texas
Migration
Northern populations of woodstorks migrate south for the winter. Migrating flocks follow wetlands, rivers, and coastlines towards Central America and northern South America. Woodstorks in Florida and further south are year-round residents.
Fall migration runs from August through October. Spring migration back north takes place March through May. Some juveniles may remain in the south for their first summer rather than migrating north.
Migration Route
This map shows the general migration route of woodstorks between their northern breeding range and wintering grounds:
Diet and Hunting
Woodstorks are tactile feeders, using their sense of touch to hunt prey in shallow water. They wade through water with their bills partially open, snapping shut when they touch a fish, frog, insect, or other prey item.
Preferred prey includes fish like topminnows and sunfish, aquatic invertebrates like crayfish and snails, amphibians, and aquatic reptiles. Woodstorks may also opportunistically eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles on land.
Woodstorks require high concentrations of prey. Good feeding sites have at least 0.2 pounds of fish per square yard. Woodstorks forage both alone and in flocks, circling over feeding areas and waiting for other birds to stir up prey.
Unique Hunting Adaptations
Woodstorks have several special adaptations to help them catch aquatic prey:
- Sensitive bill tip to detect prey by touch
- Fast snap-shut bill to grab prey
- Long neck and legs to hunt in deeper water
- Partially open bill allows quick bites
- Body feathers resist water saturation
Threats and Conservation
Woodstorks face a number of threats including:
- Habitat loss and degradation
- Drought and insufficient water levels in wetlands
- Human disturbance of nesting colonies
- Collision with man-made structures
- Exposure to pesticides and toxins
These threats have contributed to substantial declines in the U.S. woodstork population in the 20th century. They are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and considered a threatened species in Florida.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetlands and woodstork colonies. Artificial wetlands and water management techniques can provide habitat when natural wetlands have been lost. Public education programs help reduce disturbance to sensitive nesting sites.
Conclusion
In summary, woodstorks are large wading birds that inhabit wetlands across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean region. Their range extends from the southeastern United States down through Central America and northern South America.
Woodstorks nest in colonies in trees near wetland feeding habitat. They forage by touch, snapping their bills shut on fish, frogs, and other aquatic prey. Northern populations migrate south for the winter. Habitat loss and insufficient water pose threats, requiring conservation measures to protect sensitive wetlands.
With proper wetland habitat, woodstork populations can thrive. These unique birds play an important role as top predators in delicate wetland ecosystems across the Americas.
