White Ibis (Eudocimus albus)
The white ibis (Eudocimus albus) is an all white wading bird, except for restricted black wingtips only visible in flight. Both sexes have a distinct red face and long, decurved red bill. This bird ranges throughout Florida and the coastal southeastern United States year-round. It can be found further inland during the summer months. White ibis fly with outstretched necks. Flocks often appear to be flying in “roller-coasting” strings, flapping and gliding, or soaring in circles. White ibis are commonly found in salt, brackish, and fresh water marshes. They typically nest in colonies, or rookeries, often with other wading birds. They feed by probing the mucky substrate with their long bills. Although they are not listed as an imperiled species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, they are listed as a Species of Special Concern by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Florida population may already meet the criteria to be listed as threatened, but the data is lacking.
