Wood Storks are considered low productive species. They will not start a breeding season unless there are enough food supplies. The time of the breeding depends on weather conditions and appropriate nesting conditions. Historically, the nesting season coincides with changes in water level. In dryer weather, when the water level is low, which makes fish gather in small ponds in abundance, Wood Storks have an easily accessible food supply. This is considered the right time for producing the progeny.
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Picture source:
Stetson University © 2002
www.stetson.edu
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Wood Storks are monogamous birds that pair during a breeding season and raise their offspring together. Breeding often occurs in early November through December followed by the incubation period. The incubation period lasts from 28 to 32 days. Both the male and the female sit on the eggs, which average three. A Wood Stork nest is usually large. In fact, it can be as large as 48 inches in diameter. The favorite place to build a nest is a tall tree, usually the Cypress or the Mangrove tree. The number of nests in one tree can count up to twenty. Moss, twigs, and similar materials are used to build a nest.
Wood Stork babies weigh about 2 ounces at birth. These fragile creatures need much food to acquire strength. It is interesting to know that they are fed more than 12 times a day. Parents have to find enormous amounts of food to help their offspring survive. Sometimes they can travel as far as 50 miles away from the nest in search of food. After that, they come back and feed their babies regurgitated fish, crayfish, or whatever they find.
Successful breeding depends not only on appropriate weather conditions and the amount of available food. Wood Storks can lose their offspring due to predators, such as Raccoons and Alligators. Low water level allows Raccoons a free access to Wood Stork nests, while high water levels threaten eggs by allowing Alligators to reach them. Besides, human disturbance plays a major role in preventing successful breeding. Once Wood Storks feel they are threatened, they are gone for good. Thus, a wide range of threats leads to a high death rate among the young and hinders population growth.
However, babies that are lucky to survive continue to replenish Wood Stork population. By the age of 8-9 weeks old, they learn to fly and can leave the nest for short distances. The parents continue to feed the young and supply them with roost sites. Though Wood Storks are non-migrant birds, individual breeders can be seen in far away areas.
Wood Storks - Species Links
Bird Photography - Find pictures of the Wood Stork.
Birds of the St. Johns - Some facts from species life.
California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System - Informs on Wood Stork distribution, habitat, and feeding habits.
eNature - Description of the species, range, feeding, and other information.
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Picture source:
Smithsonian Magazine © 2003
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Florida's Breeding Bird Atlas - Information on habitat, seasonal occurrence, and status of the Wood Stork.
Georgia Wildlife: Wood Storks - Supplies species profile including habitat information, life history, and status.
Information for Children - Page contains species description, habits, and conservation information.
Photo Gallery - A collection of pictures with comments.
Reproductive Success of Wood Storks - A report on the factors affecting reproductive success of Wood Storks in East-Central Georgia.
Species Alert: Wood Stork - General information on the Wood Stork.
Species Profile: Wood Stork - Wood Stork on Military Installations in the Southeastern United States. PDF file.
Species Resources - Studies at the University of Florida deal with information on Wood Stork identification, ecology, population size, tracking programs, and more. Contains also links to other sites.
The Wood Stork Exhibit - Feeding patterns and description of the species.
Watching Wood Storks - Article for people interested in watching birds.
Wildlife Viewing - The overview of the Wood Stork.
Wood Stork - Article by Sharon LaPlante informs on the lifestyle of the Wood Stork.
Wood Stork Behaviors - Information on their feeding habits, breeding behaviors, and more.
Wood Stork Description - Visit this site to learn more about Wood Stork history and appearance, habitat and feeding, reproduction, and the current status.
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Picture source:
Stetson University © 2002
www.stetson.edu
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Wood Stork Fact Sheet - Supplies information on species biology and research work.
Wood Stork Identification Tips - Appearance and specific features, life history, pictures, and more.
Wood Stork Location - Location of uncommon, common and abundant birds of this species in the US and Canada.
Wood Stork Overview - Learn what Wood Storks look like, where they live, and why they are so important for environment.
Wood Stork Photographs - A collection of photos depicting the species.
Wood Stork Photos - Contains pictures with comments.
Wood Stork Pictures - View pictures of the species.
Wood Storks - General information concerning species' habits and range.
Wood Storks in Alabama - Description and distribution on the Wood Stork in Alabama.
Wood Storks in New York - The late summer of 2001 saw a minor invasion of Wood Storks into Ontario and northeast, including New York State. Learn more.
