Newell's Shearwater vs Wood Stork
Puffinus newelli versus Mycteria americana
Play a quiz with Newell's Shearwater and Wood Stork
Newell's Shearwater
Wood Stork
In short
Newell's Shearwater and Wood Stork are easily distinguished by their size and habitat preferences. Newell's Shearwater is a small, pelagic seabird, while the Wood Stork is a large, wading bird found in wetlands. Their plumage and behavior are also markedly different.
Identification tips
1. Note the habitat: Newell's Shearwater is found at sea, while Wood Stork is in wetlands. 2. Size difference is significant; Wood Stork is much larger. 3. Observe plumage: Newell's Shearwater is black and white, Wood Stork is mostly white with dark wings. 4. Behavior: Newell's Shearwater flies over the ocean, Wood Stork wades in water.
Size
Newell's Shearwater is much smaller than the Wood Stork, which is a large bird with a wingspan of over 5 feet.
Plumage
Newell's Shearwater has a black and white plumage with a dark upper body and white underparts. In contrast, the Wood Stork has mostly white plumage with dark iridescent wing and tail feathers.
Behaviour
Newell's Shearwater is a strong flier with rapid wing beats, often seen over open ocean. Wood Stork is a tactile feeder, often seen wading in wetlands and foraging by feel.
Habitat
Newell's Shearwater is pelagic, often found over deep ocean waters near the Hawaiian Islands. Wood Stork inhabits freshwater and brackish wetlands, particularly in the southeastern United States.
Voice
Vocalizations are not a primary distinguishing feature for these species in the field.