Wood stork

Wood stork (Mycteria americana), shot on an unusual spot in Cartago, 1400 mts high.

This is a big bird, 2,5 kgs and up to 110 cms tall and can have a wingspan of over170 cms. Its distribution range goes from North America to Argentina, usually happening around wet low lands where it can feed on fishes, frogs, small reptils, etc.

Like their close relatives, vultures of the family Cathartidae, storks are soaring birds that will ride thermals to altitudes of up to 300 meters or more to get to feeding grounds up to 130 kilometers away. They are known to be incredible acrobats when descending, performing marvelous turns, dives, and rolls.