This is a large bird, 85 – 115 cm tall, with a wingspan of 150 – 165 cm. Adults are completely white except for wing tips and tail, which are black with a greenish and purplish sheen. Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the head, which is unfeathered, scaly and gray in adults (hence the local name “Flinthead”). The bill is large, black to blackish gray, massive, thick at the base and tapering in a gentle decurve. Legs and feet are dark, with flesh colored or pink (breeding season) toes. The young and subadults are similar to adults, but have grayish feathers on the head and neck, and a pale yellow bill that darkens with age. In flight, Wood Storks fly with their legs straight out behind, often alternately flapping and gliding, or soaring with wings held straight out. See Wood Stork Identification tips.

Storks do not sing a song, and in fact make relatively few noises. Try this link to a brief recording of stork chicks begging.