white ibis

1. Bird Name
The bird of focus is the White Ibis, scientifically known as Eudocimus Albus.

2. Appearance
Known for its stunning all-white body, the White Ibis is a beautiful creature. This bird species has black wingtips that are usually only visible during flight. The White Ibis has a long, curved, and slender beak that is a bright red-orange color which enhances its distinguished appearance, alongside it’s matching red-orange legs. The eyes are blue, surrounded by red-orange skin. The feathers are soft and smooth, giving the bird a sleek, elegant appearance. There is no substantial difference in appearance between males and females.

3. Size
White Ibis are mid-sized birds, with an average length ranging from 56 to 69 cm (22 to 27 inches). Often characterized by their broad wings, the White Ibis has a wingspan of approximately 97 cm (38 inches). Typically, they weigh between 750g and 1050g (1.6 – 2.3 pounds).

4. Habitat and Distribution
The White Ibis is native to parts of the Americas. It is found throughout most of South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and the southern half of the United States. The bird favors wetland habitats, such as marshes, coastal lagoons and flooded pastures, but can also be found in forests.

5. Interesting Facts
An interesting fact about the White Ibis is their communal nature; they are rarely seen alone, often found in flocks of more than 30 individuals. They are also revered by some indigenous tribes, symbolizing good luck due to their elegant white feathers. Additionally, White Ibis are known to form monogamous pairs, strengthening their bond through rituals like preening each other and intertwining their necks.

6. Diet
The White Ibis has a diverse diet, predominantly feeding on a variety of aquatic invertebrates such as crabs, shrimp and insects. They also eat small fish and amphibians. They utilize their curved bill to probe soft marshy areas for prey.

7. Behavior & Sounds
White Ibis are noted for their distinct flight pattern in a V formation. Their call is a gruff, two-part ‘hunk-hunk’ sound, but they are not particularly vocal outside of their breeding season.

8. Conservation Status
Although their populations have been falling, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the White Ibis as being of “Least Concern” due to their large, widespread populations.

9. Lifespan
In the wild, White Ibis can live up to 16–20 years. However, the lifespan of White Ibis in captivity tends to be longer, with a well-documented case of one bird living to 28 years in the St. Louis Zoo.

10. Additional Notes
In Spanish-speaking regions, the White Ibis is often referred to as “Ibis Blanco”. As they feed, White Ibis affect the population dynamics of invertebrates, contributing significantly to the ecosystem. This cyclical foraging also helps to aerate soil, stimulating vegetation growth. The bird maintains a relatively peaceful, coexistent relationship with humans, often spotted in urban parks and recreational facilities.