White-faced Ibis
NameWhite-faced Ibis
Common NameWhite-faced Ibis
Scientific NamePlegadis chihi
FamilyThreskiornithidae
Wingspan (cm)94
Length (cm)56
Weight (g)500
Plumage DetailsAdults in breeding plumage have a rich purplish-chestnut body with iridescent green and bronze sheens on the wings and back. A distinctive white border surrounds the bare reddish facial skin and red eyes. Legs are reddish.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a quiet bird, but can produce a variety of grunts, croaks, and wheezing sounds, particularly when disturbed or at nesting colonies.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in western North America, ranging from southern Canada through the western United States and Mexico, with disjunct populations in parts of South America.
Identifying FeaturesLong, decurved bill, Iridescent dark plumage (purplish-chestnut and green/bronze), White border around bare facial skin and red eyes (breeding plumage), Long reddish legs
Description
The White-faced Ibis is a medium-sized wading bird with a long, decurved bill and iridescent dark plumage. It forages in shallow wetlands, probing the mud and water for invertebrates and small vertebrates.
