What type of trees do wood storks use for nesting?
Storks nest in a variety of both native and exotic species of trees and generally can be described as requiring woody vegetation in water or surrounded by water in the case of an island. Native species include cypress, gum, willow, oaks, wax myrtle, both red and black mangrove, and red maple. Non-native or introduced species include Brazilian pepperbush and Australian pine, especially in south Florida. Suitable nesting substrate, also known as a base, must be strong enough to support the rather large nest, one or both members of the pair, and nestlings. This usually requires the tree to be both tall and possess large limbs where the nests are located. Storks usually build their nests in trees flooded by 1 to 3 feet of water or surrounded by water in the case of islands. At interior freshwater sites, these flooded trees provide a water barrier to ground predators such as raccoons and snakes. This water moat around the nest trees also allows the 24-hour patrol by alligators that further
