The Mycteria americana, commonly known as the Wood Stork, is native to the Americas. It is primarily found in the southeastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. It also ranges throughout Central and South America, including countries like Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina.

Wood Storks predominantly inhabit wetland environments, which include freshwater and brackish marshes, swamps, and mangroves. The species is typically associated with slow-moving or still water bodies that provide abundant food resources. These environments often have warm climates, with temperatures conducive to supporting rich aquatic life.

The Wood Stork is a large wading bird that feeds primarily on fish, crustaceans, and insects, playing an important role in controlling these populations in wetland ecosystems. Its ecological niche is characterized by foraging in shallow waters where it uses its sensitive bill to detect prey. The species may also adapt to varying water levels and changes in wetland availability due to seasonal variations, often moving to different locations in search of optimal feeding grounds.