Scarlet Ibis
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Subclass
Infraclass
Superorder
Genus
SPECIES
Eudocimus ruber
Population size
100-150 Thou
Life Span
16-20 years
Top speed
40
25
km/hmph
km/h mph 
Weight
1
3
kglbs
kg lbs 
Length
55-63
21.7-24.8
cminch
cm inch 
Wingspan
54
21
cminch
cm inch 

The Scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber) is a species of ibis found in tropical South America and part of the Caribbean. In form, it resembles most of the other twenty-seven extant species of ibis, but its remarkably brilliant scarlet coloration makes it unmistakable. It is one of the two national birds of Trinidad and Tobago, and its Tupi–Guarani name, guará, is part of the name of several municipalities along the coast of Brazil. This medium-sized wader is a hardy, numerous, and prolific bird, and it has protected status around the world.

Appearance

Adult plumage is virtually all scarlet. The feathers may show various tints and shades, but only the tips of their wings deviate from their namesake color. A small but reliable marking, these wingtips are a rich inky black (or occasionally dark blue) and are found only on the longest primaries - otherwise, the birds' coloration is "a vivid orange-red, almost luminous in quality." Scarlet ibises have red bills and feet however the bill is sometimes blackish, especially toward the end. They have a long, narrow, decurved bill. Their legs and necks are long and extended in flight. A juvenile scarlet ibis is a mix of grey, brown, and white. As it grows, a heavy diet of red crustaceans produces the scarlet coloration. The color change begins with the juvenile's second molt, around the time it begins to fly: the change starts on the back and spreads gradually across the body while increasing in intensity over a period of about two years.

Video

Distribution

Geography

Scarlet ibises are found throughout South America and the Caribbean islands. Native flocks exist in Brazil; Colombia; French Guiana; Guyana; Suriname; and Venezuela, as well as the islands of the Netherlands Antilles, and Trinidad and Tobago. There is an outlying colony in the Santos-Cubatão mangroves of the Baixada Santista district in southeastern Brazil, which is considered critically endangered. Scarlet ibises perform seasonal shifts and migrations within their range. they inhabit wetlands and other marshy habitats, including mudflats, mangroves, freshwater lakes, and rainforests.

Scarlet Ibis habitat map

Climate zones

Scarlet Ibis habitat map
Scarlet Ibis
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Habits and Lifestyle

Scarlet ibises are social and gregarious birds. They live in flocks of thirty or more. Members stay close, and mating pairs locate their nests in close proximity to other pairs in the same tree. For protection, flocks often congregate in large colonies of several thousand individuals. They also regularly participate in mixed flocks, gaining additional safety through numbers: storks, spoonbills, egrets, herons, and ducks are all common companions during feedings and flights. Scarlet ibises are highly migratory and are able to fly on very long distances; during migration, they move as flocks in a classic V formation. When flying the birds soar and glide usually at great heights and speeds. Scarlet ibises are active during the day and spend most of their time foraging. When feeding, they use their distinctive long, thin bills to probe for food in soft mud or under plants. When they need to communicate with each other, the birds will make a honking noise. The nestlings have a shrill cry used to let parents know that they are hungry.

Seasonal behavior

Diet and Nutrition

Scarlet ibises are carnivores and mainly feed on insects, especially scarabs and ground beetles. They also consume shrimp, small crabs, mollusks, and other crustaceans.

Mating Habits

MATING BEHAVIOR
REPRODUCTION SEASON
starts in mid-September (Brazil)
INCUBATION PERIOD
19-23 days
INDEPENDENT AGE
75 days
BABY NAME
chick
web.animal_clutch_size
3-5 eggs

Scarlet ibises are serially monogamous; they form pairs that remain faithful within a single breeding season and cohabitant, sharing parental responsibilities for the young. To attract a female, the male will perform a variety of mating rituals such as "preening, shaking, bill popping, head rubbing, and high flights. In southeastern Brazil, Scarlet ibises gather in colonies in mid-September and build nests at the beginning of November. Egg-laying within the colony is usually synchronous, with females laying eggs in three waves in early November, late December, and late January. Mating pairs build nests in a simple style, typically "loose platforms of sticks" sometimes described as "artless". They roost in leaf canopies, mostly preferring the convenient shelter of young waterside mangrove trees. Scarlet ibises like wet, muddy areas such as swamps, but for safety, they build their nests in trees well above the water. If they can, they nest on islands, where their eggs and chicks are less likely to be in danger from predators. After mating there is a gestation period that lasts 5 to 6 days; after that, the female lays a clutch of 3 to 5 smooth, matte eggs which typically incubate for 19-23 days. The chicks are altricial; they are hatched naked and with their eyes closed. The young fledge 35-40 days after hatching and become independent when they are 75 days old.

Population

Population threats

Scarlet ibises have protected status throughout the world, however, despite that, populations of these beautiful birds are declining due to overhunting, collection of eggs, and selling of young as pets. Another main threat to this species is habitat loss due to heavy pollution and the loss of nesting, foraging, and feeding grounds. Scarlet ibises also suffer from disturbance in breeding and foraging areas because of recreational activities.

Population number

According to the What Bird resource, the total population size of the Scarlet ibis is 100,000 to 150,000 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List but its numbers today are decreasing.

Fun Facts for Kids

  • The Scarlet ibis is the only shorebird with red coloration in the world.
  • Ibises is a very ancient species of birds and their fossil records go back 60 million years.
  • Before Scarlet ibis chicks can fly, they regularly swim around the nest territory.
  • The Scarlet ibis is a close relative of the American white ibis and is sometimes considered the same species.

References

1. Scarlet Ibis on Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet_ibis
2. Scarlet Ibis on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22697415/93612751

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