White Ibis

What it is

The American white ibis (Eudocimus albus) is a species of bird in the ibis family, Threskiornithidae. It is found from Virginia via the Gulf Coast of the United States south through most of the coastal New World tropics. This particular ibis is a medium-sized bird with an overall white plumage, bright red-orange down-curved bill and long legs, and black wing tips that are usually only visible in flight. Males are larger and have longer bills than...

Where and when to find it

Habitat

Found in coastal wetlands, marshes, swamps, and flooded fields in the southeastern United States.

How to find it

Look for groups of these white birds wading in shallow water. Their distinct orange-red bills and legs are easy to spot.

Best time of day

Daytime, especially in the morning and late afternoon.

How it lives

What it eats

Crabs, small fish, insects, worms, snails.

What eats it

Alligators, raccoons, large birds of prey.

Worth knowing

• Their bills are excellent for probing in soft mud and water.
• Young White Ibises are a mottled brown and white.
• They often feed in groups, sharing information about food sources.
• They typically nest in colonies with other water birds.
• The bright color of their legs and bill intensifies during breeding season.
• They can fly long distances to find new feeding grounds.

Why it matters

White Ibises help keep wetland ecosystems balanced by eating small creatures. They are also a food source for larger predators.