Our Local Storybook Legend

Mention storks to most Americans and the first thing that comes to mind is a big bird flying with a baby in a blanket. But Florida residents host the only stork species that breeds in the United States — the wood stork — and as such are more familiar with the real-life storybook legend. Conspicuous alongside our roadways, they do not catch our eye because they are remarkably active or elegant but rather because they are really big and pretty ugly, a term not used loosely. They are endearing in the same way that armadillos or hairless cats are.

The large white birds are over 3 feet tall with a wingspan often over 5 feet. At the age of 4, after their final molt as juveniles, their necks and heads are bald revealing black scaly skin. Their long, slightly down-curved bill changes from yellow to dark in the same aging process. In contrast, the neck and head of the juveniles are sparsely feathered giving them the scruffy look of a pubescent teen. Storks do not tuck their necks like herons; they soar with outstretched necks. Black feathers along the entire back edge of their wings along with their black tails paint a striking contrast against our blue skies. Depending on your angle you may see an effect of the black feathers that causes them to flash a stunning green sheen in the sunlight.