White Ibis
Eudocimus albus
Class
Aves
Order
Ciconiiformes
Family
Threskiornithidae
White Ibis
Range
Southeastern United States, south to Colombia and Venezuela, Caribbean
Size
Length: 21 - 27 in
Wingspan: Up to 38 in
Weight: 26.5 - 37 oz
Habitat
Marshes, mangrove lagoons, lakes, and estuaries
Young
Clutch of 2 - 3 eggs
Incubation: 21 days
Diet
Crustaceans, fish, frogs, small snakes, slugs, snails, and aquatic insects
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Coloration and Adaptations
The white ibis has brilliant white plumage and contrasting black primary feathers. This wading bird has partially webbed feet, which helps it balance while walking on muddy ground. Its long, curved bill is highly sensitive to movement and allows the white ibis to find prey submerged in water or burrowed into soft mud.
Behavior and Young
These birds feed, nest, and roost in huge flocks of up to 80,000 individuals. Both male and female cooperate in building the nest, which is usually a platform of sticks, grass or reeds. Young white ibises are dark brown with a white belly and rump. Their parents feed them by regurgitating food from their stomachs.
Status
The white ibis is widespread and abundant.