Facts About Ibises

Ibises are wading birds recognized by their long, slender, downward-curving bills.

There are around 28-30 ibis species found across warm regions of the world.

The sacred ibis was revered in ancient Egypt as a symbol of the god Thoth, and millions were mummified as offerings.

Ibises use their curved bills to probe mud, shallow water, and soil for insects, crustaceans, worms, and small animals.

The scarlet ibis of South America gets its brilliant red color from pigments in the crustaceans it eats.

Ibises often nest and roost in large colonies, sometimes alongside herons and spoonbills.

The American white ibis is a common sight in Florida wetlands and coastal areas.

The northern bald ibis was once nearly extinct, and intensive conservation, including teaching captive-bred birds migration routes with aircraft, has helped it recover.

Ibises fly with necks outstretched, unlike herons, which fold their necks back in flight.

The glossy ibis appears dark from a distance but shimmers with iridescent green and purple up close.

Ibises are generally social and communicate with grunts and croaks, especially at breeding colonies.

In Australia, the Australian white ibis has adapted so well to cities scavenging food that it earned the nickname 'bin chicken.'

Ibis chicks are born with straight bills that curve as they grow.

Ibises play a useful ecological role by controlling insect and pest populations in wetlands and fields.

The spoonbill, with its flat spatula-shaped bill, is a close relative of the ibis in the same family.