Wood Storks nest in large colonies and are low reproductive species; they only reproduce when abundant resources are available, this triggers the reproductive cycle to begin. They build nests in upper branches of trees in mangroves on islands in Florida and several nests can be found in the same tree. The nest is built by both male and female and is made out of sticks, vines, leaves and Spanish Moss; it is a cup shape.
Females lay 2-5 eggs and they are incubated by the pair for 28-32 days. The chicks are altricial and there is a fierce competition for food. By the time they are a week old, their parents are feeding them 15 times a day and grow rapidly. During the breeding season Wood Storks need about 400 pounds of fish to feed their offspring and themselves. Adults are known to fly 80 miles in search of food. When one is gone in search of food, the other is protecting the nest and the chicks. After 9 weeks they are fledging, but reach sexual maturity at 4 years old, giving them a long life history.
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| Wood Stork chicks. Note the difference in sizes. This is due to the competition for food. Often only one or two chicks will survive. |
Sources
Do they have any courtship display?
ReplyDeleteCourtship display performed by the male before nest building include vocalizes and protection of the nest site. Female may display with the male.
ReplyDelete