The Majesty of the Marsh

      The wood stork is a very shy and majestic bird. They are one of the largest birds of the low country and are usually seen on the

lower half of the tide. The Wood Storks diet mainly consists of small fish, snakes, frogs and even small alligators, as well as other

small water animals. They live in coastal shallows, marshes, swamps, flooded pastures and ponds. They can be found in most of

the southern half of the U.S.

       Wood Storks are around 40 inches tall and have a large body and long legs. Their wingspan is usually around 60-65 inches long. 

They have white feathers covering most of their body and wings, but their head is featherless. When in flight they have a black tail

and black feathers trailing down the outside edges of their wings. Their beak curves downward. For nesting these birds commonly

choose large cypresses or mangroves and nest in colonies. They nest a few feet above the water. They lay 3-4 eggs at a time and

the eggs are a dull white. The eggs hatch after 28-32 days and then leave the nest 55-60 days after being laid.   These amazing

animals may be seen on our Dolphin and Nature Tour! Come visit our beautiful Island of Hilton Head to see the Majesty of the

Marsh!