Black-faced Ibis

Overview

The black-faced ibis (Theristicus melanopis) is a species of bird found in southern and western South America. It is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, although it has been almost entirely extirpated from its local range in coastal Peru.

Identification

• Total length of approximately 75 cm with a blackish bill, throat-wattle, and bare skin around the eyes.
• Head, neck, and lower chest are buffish, while the crown and nape are cinnamon.
• Upperparts and often incomplete chest-band are grey, contrasting with black belly and flight feathers.
• Whitish wing-coverts that do not contrast strongly with the grey upperparts, and red legs.

Habitat

This species inhabits grassland and fields throughout most of southern and central Argentina and Chile, occurring from sea level to altitudes of approximately 2,500 metres. It also occurs very locally in coastal Peru, though it has been almost entirely extirpated from that part of its range.

Did you know?

The genus name Theristicus is derived from the Ancient Greek word theristikos, meaning "of reaping".