42

Stork that was an adult when captured lived at least 30 yrs

in captivity (Kahl, 1963). Allen et al. (1958) estimate

that mortality in the Wood Stork is probably 20% after the

firs-t- year ofl i fe.

 Life expectancy and survival rates of the Wood Stork

may be close to those of the White Stork of Europe (Ciconia

ciconia). Zink (1966) estimated that 1st and 2nd yr

mortality rates for this species are "about 30% and

probably higher" and that the average mortality rate for

older birds is 21%. Wood Stork mortality during the second

year probably is no higher than that of older birds. First

year mortality of Wood Storks, however, is highly variable

and may exceed 90% (J. Ogden, pers. comm.).

 Zink (1.96U6) reported that the average life expectancy

of the White Stork is 4.5 yrs, but Kahl (1963) cited Flower

as giving an average age of 25.7 yrs for 20 captive storks

of genera Ciconia, Jabiru, and Leptophilos, suggesting that

average life expectancy in -the family as a whole may be

greater than 4.5 yrs. Miller et al. (1972) proposed that

mortality in long-lived species such as the Wood Stork may

have an age dependent as well as an age independent factor

and that, after the first year or two, mortality may

increase with age.

 Kahl (1963) estimated that Wood Storks first breed

when they are 3 or 4 yrs old. Time delays as in delayed

breeding can have a strong impact on the way a system

functions.