White-faced Ibis

The White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) is a wading bird of the ibis family, Threskiornithidae. It is a creature of marshes, with a slender build and long legs, perfect for its life wading through wetlands. The adult is distinguishable by its pink, bare face bordered with white feathers, a grey bill, and redder legs during the breeding season. Its eyes remain a striking red throughout the year. In contrast, the juvenile's appearance is more subdued and closely resembles that of the Glossy Ibis.

Identification Tips

The White-faced Ibis is characterised by its iridescent bronze-green plumage and slender, curved bill. Distinguishable by its white face and red eyes, especially vivid during breeding season, it contrasts with the Glossy Ibis by its red legs and pronounced white facial border.

Habitat

The White-faced Ibis thrives in marshy environments, preferring areas with dense vegetation such as bulrush and cattails, as well as shrubs and short trees for nesting.

Distribution

This species has a broad range, with populations found from the western United States through Mexico, and from southeastern Brazil and southeastern Bolivia down to central Argentina and the central Chilean coast. It migrates seasonally, with northern populations moving to southern California, Mexico, or Central America for winter.

Behaviour

The White-faced Ibis is a colonial breeder, often nesting in groups within the protective embrace of marsh vegetation. It is a migratory bird, with distinct patterns depending on the region.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the White-faced Ibis are less documented, but as with many wading birds, they are likely to have a range of calls used during social interactions and breeding.

Breeding

Breeding takes place in marshes, with nests constructed from reeds in bushes or low trees. The species typically lays three to four blue-green eggs.

Similar Species

The White-faced Ibis is often confused with the Glossy Ibis, especially outside of the breeding season when their plumages are similar. However, the White-faced Ibis can be distinguished by its pinkish bare face with white feather borders and red eyes.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the White-faced Ibis is varied, including invertebrates such as insects, leeches, snails, crayfish, and earthworms, as well as vertebrates like fish, newts, and frogs. It feeds by probing with its bill in the soft mud of wetlands.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists the White-faced Ibis as Least Concern, with an estimated population of 1.2 million individuals and a trend that appears to be increasing. However, past threats have included shooting, pesticide use, and habitat destruction, which have been mitigated through conservation efforts and legal protections.