Scarlet Ibis
Eudocimus ruber
CLASS: Aves
ORDER: Ciconiiformes
FAMILY: Threskiornithidae
SIZE:
22 - 25 inches in length
RANGE:
South America
HABITAT:
Mangrove islands and swamps
DIET:
Wild - Insects, mollusks, crustaceans, and worms
Zoo - Soaked dog food, small fish, flamingo diet
DESCRIPTION:
Medium sized body
Narrow down-curving beaks
Beautiful scarlet colored feathers
FACTS:
So similar to white ibis that some mixed pairs are occasionally found
Some ornithologists look at them as one species
STATUS:
CITES App. II; declining in parts of range from habitat loss and hunting
REFERENCE:
"Grzimek’s Animal Life Encyclopedia," Vol. 7 Birds 1, Dr. Bernhard Grzimek
"Common Birds of Louisiana," Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission
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