Scarlet ibis

The flocks of this striking self-descriptive bird are a sight to behold

The scarlet ibis, residing in the wetlands and marshy habitats of South America and the Caribbean, can be easily recognized by its signature scarlet plumage all over its body. However, the juveniles have dull coloration.

They are a highly social species, forming large colonies of thousands to feed and protect the young. Parents will fly great distances to recover freshwater prey, as it appears to be essential in the diets of fledglings. Their long thin bills are well suited to foraging in the mud for insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

Despite their large global population, their numbers are on a declining trend. The main threats are habitat destruction, hunting, and pesticides.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Argentina
2016
Aruba
2016
Non-Breeding
Belize
2016
Non-Breeding
Brazil
2016
Colombia
2016
Cuba
2016
Non-Breeding
Dominica
2016
Non-Breeding
Ecuador
2016
Non-Breeding
French Guiana
2016
Grenada
2016
Non-Breeding
Guyana
2016
Jamaica
2016
Vagrant
Panama
2016
Non-Breeding
Suriname
2016
Trinidad & Tobago
2016
United States
2016
Non-Breeding
Venezuela
2016

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Flock

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No