White-faced Ibis
A species of Plegadis Ibises Scientific name : Plegadis chihi Genus : Plegadis Ibises
White-faced Ibis, A species of Plegadis Ibises
Botanical name: Plegadis chihi
Genus: Plegadis Ibises
Content
Description General Info
Description
The white-faced ibis is very similar to the glossy ibis in its non-breeding plumages, but it tends to be slightly smaller and the plumage color is somewhat warmer. Breeding adults have a pink bare face bordered with white feathers (rather than a bluish bare face with no bordering feathers), a grey bill, and brighter colored, redder legs. Adults have red eyes year-round, whereas glossy ibises have dark eyes. Juveniles of the two species are nearly identical. Measurements: Length: 18.1-22.1 in (46-56 cm) Weight: 15.9-18.5 oz (450-525 g) Wingspan: 35.4-36.6 in (90-93 cm) 
Size
51-66 cm (20-26 in)
Colors
Brown
Black
Green
Red
Gray
White
Life Expectancy
White-faced ibises in captivity live up to fourteen years on average. In the wild, white-faced ibises usually live for nine years; however the oldest recorded wild white-faced ibis lived for fourteen years and six months.
Nest Placement
Ground
Clutch Size
3 - 5 eggs
Incubation Period
1 brood
Number of Broods
17 - 21 days
Feeding Habits
White-faced Ibis primarily consumes invertebrates, including earthworms, crayfish, insects, spiders, snails, clams, leeches and larvae. This species exhibits both visual and tactile foraging techniques, often probing wet soil or water and swinging their bill to locate prey, which they may rinse before eating. White-faced Ibis also feeds on vertebrates like fish, frogs, and small rodents.
Habitat
White-faced Ibis predominantly dwell in a variety of wetlands, including freshwater marshes, irrigated farmlands, and areas with tules—predominantly in lowland regions. The species shows a preference for shallow waters with moderate vegetation such as sedges and spikerush, and readily adapts to agricultural environments, utilizing fields of alfalfa and grains. Nesting specifically requires habitats with taller emergent plants like cattail, with some regional variance such as saltcedar in California. White-faced Ibis is versatile, also frequenting brackish marshes, pastures, and even sewage ponds during migration. While the bird's wintering grounds mirror its breeding habitat, they extend into southern U.S. territories and areas in Mexico, where wetlands and agricultural fields are abundant.
Nest Behavior
White-faced Ibis engages in nesting through female site selection from male-presented options. Nest building, egg-laying, and parental care exhibit species-specific timing and patterns, often corresponding with environmental conditions to facilitate successful rearing of their young.
Nest Characteristics
White-faced Ibis's nest is typically located in emergent vegetation, low trees, or shrubs above water, occasionally on the ground or islands. Its construction involves bending and weaving stalks into a flat platform, with dimensions averaging 15.4 inches in width and 6.8 inches in depth. Tree nests incorporate sticks and a substantial mass of vegetation.
Dite type
Aquatic invertebrate eater
General Info
Sounds
Call
Recording location: Argentina
Call
Recording location: United States
Behavior
White-faced Ibis typically showcase cooperative behavior during breeding season, with pairs possibly forming prior to reaching nesting sites. Both partners engage in mutual preening and contribute to nest construction, sharing duties of material collection and assembly. They robustly defend their nest surroundings, although outright combat is infrequently observed. Parental responsibilities are equally distributed, with both white-faced Ibis involved in incubation and feeding of chicks, often covering considerable distances to procure food. Foraging white-faced Ibis prefer shallow waters but may occasionally wade into deeper zones. Outside of active duties, white-faced Ibis are known to sunbathe, holding their wings outspread to absorb warmth and dry their plumage.
Distribution Area
The white-faced ibis occurs in Canada, the United States, Central America and the southern half of South America. In 2012, the total population size was estimated to be 1.2 million individuals, and increasing. The IUCN rates it as being of Least Concern.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Pelicans and Relatives Family
Ibises and spoonbills Genus
Plegadis Ibises Species
White-faced Ibis 
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