Wood Stork

Description:

Large wading bird, which compares in size to Roseate Spoonbills. It has a stocky white body with hints of black on the under-wings. It has a leathery head similar to that of spoonbills and turkey vultures. Presumably for the same reason as vultures as they need a featherless head to be able to eat without worrying about how clean their heads later. Long stilt-like black legs. Long thick bill. Not the bird with the best looks, but still a very neat bird I love photographing.

Habitat:

Tidal Wetlands in Florida

Notes:

This one was photographed with other wading birds at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Titusville, Florida.