RANGE Southeastern United States, south to Colombia and Venezuela; Caribbean
HABITAT Marshes, mangrove lagoons, lakes, and estuaries
DIET Crustaceans, fish, frogs, small snakes, slugs, snails, and aquatic insects
The white ibis has brilliant white plumage and contrasting black primary feathers. This wading bird has partially webbed feet, which helps it balance while walking on muddy ground. Its long, curved bill is highly sensitive to movement and allows the white ibis to find prey submerged in water or burrowed into soft mud.
These birds feed, nest, and roost in huge flocks of up to 80,000 individuals.
Young white ibises are dark brown with a white belly and rump. Their parents feed them by regurgitating food from their stomachs.
