Formerly called the "Wood Ibis," this is a true stork. It is easily distinguished from white herons by its large size, upright posture, dark, naked head and neck, and heavy bill with a downward curve at the tip. These birds perch motionless on a bare branch or slowly stalk through marshes in search of food. They obtain food--mainly fish and snakes--by probing the water with their bills, locating prey by sense of touch. Expert at soaring, they are sometimes seen circling high in the air on rising air currents. They nest in enormous colonies numbering up to 10,000 pairs.

description 40-44" (1-1.1 m). W. 5'6" (1.7 m). White with black flight feathers and tail. Head and neck bare, dark gray. Bill long, stout, and slightly curved; black in adults and dull yellow in immatures. Unlike herons, storks fly with neck extended.

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