The wood stork is particularly attracted to low water areas in marshes, swamps, and coastal mangroves where there is a high concentration of fish. It is also attracted to seasonally flooded fields and ditches. Because of its specialized feeding technique it requires a high concentration of fish, its primary food. Feeding generally takes place in shallow water, 10 – 20 inches deep, where the stork moves its partially open bill back and forth through the water feeling for fish. Its bill instantly snaps shut when it touches the prey. This type of feeding is known as grope-feeding or tacto-location. In addition to small fish it will also eat crayfish, crabs, aquatic insects, snakes, baby alligators, small turtles, frogs, rodents, and some seeds and plant material.