White Ibis

WHITE IBIS

(Eudocimusalbus)

Photographed in the wild,

Cape Coral, Florida   Mar2006

Kissimmee, Florida   Mar 2011

The White Ibis are found in inland marshes and wet prairies. They inhabit swamps and coastal areas. Their young, however, must have freshwater. They nest in large colonies surrounded by water, often with egrets and herons.

The White Ibis is a medium-sized wading bird with long, downward-curving bill. Adults are white except for black tips on wings and pink to reddish coloration on exposed flesh around face, bill, and legs.

Young juvenile birds are dark brown on wings, neck, head, and tail, but noticeable white patches occur on back and belly. Juveniles begin to acquire adult coloration near end of first year but retain some brown feathers on head and neck until third year.

Return to Ibis