Scarlet Ibis

Scientific Name: Eudocimus ruber

Order: Ciconiiformes

Family: Threskiornithidae

Conservation Status

About

Scarlet ibises were named after their distinctive bright red plumage, which often has orange and pink hues. Males are larger than females and have a longer curved bill. Their large beak and long, thin partially webbed toes allow them to locate crayfish, crabs, frogs, fish and insects in water. As with flamingos, the brilliant red color of the bird comes from pigments in the bodies of crustaceans on which it preys on.

Scarlet ibises live, feed and nest in large groups that can include thousands of individual birds, which helps protect the flock against predators. Both parents participate in nest building as well as caring for the young. Baby ibis are born featherless and then slowly turn from grey to red as they age.

Find me at EPZ

Location: Harmony Hideaway

Arrived at EPZ: 8/27/2020

Habitat & Range
Scarlet ibis’s inhabit Central America down to the northern part of South America. They are also found through coastal Brazil to northern Venezuela, Columbia and eastern Ecuador. The coastal areas of tropical rainforests, mud flats, lakes, swamps and wetlands.
Identification
Scarlet ibises are bright “scarlet” red (occasionally orange-red or deep pink) with black wing tips and a dark bill. Their heads, necks and under-parts are often paler.
Diet
Crayfish, crabs, frogs, fish and insects.
Reproduction & Lifespan
The female ibis lays one to three eggs. After 21 - 23 days of incubation, the fledge leave the nest at 35 - 42 days. The average lifespan of a scarlet ibis is 32 years.
Fantastic Fact
Young scarlet ibises are able to swim before they can fly.

Scarlet Ibis

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact