Bare-faced Ibis

Overview

The bare-faced ibis, also known as the whispering ibis, is a species of bird in the family Threskiornithidae within the monotypic genus Phimosus. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Plumage is either dark brown or a blackish colour.
• Possesses a long decurved bill that is pinkish to reddish-brown, with males having relatively larger bills than females.
• Features bare reddish facial skin and long orange beak with pink legs.
• Total length ranges between 45 and 50 cm.

Habitat

Found in open areas such as wet meadows, savannas, marshes, and rice fields, usually near sea level though recorded in Venezuela and Colombia. Its range extends across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Diet

Forages in soil and along the edges of standing water. Its diet consists of insects, worms, clams, and other small invertebrates.

Did you know?

Bare-faced ibises are rarely found alone, often living in close proximity to other flocks with neighbours as near as 100 meters away. They are noted for being less aggressive towards other ibis species compared to other members of the family.