The orange beak and face of a Eudocimus albus with mottled brown and white plumage, and slender legs as it wades in shallow water

Eudocimus albus (White Ibis)


The white ibis is a wading bird known for its distinctive long, downward-curving orange-red bill and bright white plumage, with black wing tips visible during flight. This bird primarily inhabits the southeastern United States, including Florida and parts of the Gulf Coast, extending its range into Central America, the Caribbean, and as far south as northern South America. Favoring wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and mangroves, the white ibis often feeds in shallow water, using its sensitive bill to probe for small aquatic animals like crustaceans, insects, and small fish.

It has also adapted to urban areas, including parks, lawns, and drainage ditches, where food sources are available. The white ibis is social, forming large flocks and often nesting in colonies with other wading bird species. It is known to exhibit a unique feeding behavior where it uses one foot to stir the mud, flushing out hidden prey. The estimated global population of the white ibis is in the hundreds of thousands, indicating that it remains a plentiful species across its range.

An Eudocimus albus shown as the white ibis in a clear view with its characteristic plumage visible
An Eudocimus albus standing with its legs, posture, and body plumage visible
Eudocimus albus vivid red facial skin, and a long, curved black bill, with a piercing blue eye
An Eudocimus albus shown in a view emphasizing walking, with its characteristic plumage visible

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