White Ibis

White ibis hunting on grass.  Top inset:  Juvenile.  Bottom inset:  Hunting in water.

White ibises have become very comfortable around humans, and as such, you can find them on or near beaches, lawns, and in parks.  I photographed the above ones in Florida (main) and Texas along the Gulf Coast.  I don't remember where I shot the juvenile, but it was probably in one of the two locations mentioned.  They are found year-round along the coastal waters of Mexico, Texas, and Florida, as well as the other Gulf Coast states.  Rarely, they have been found in eastern Canada.  There is a Facebook post about one found this year in Cape Breton in Nova Scotia (click here).

They feed primarily on insects or crustaceans, although small vertebrates such as frogs, newts, and even small rodents may be taken if available.  They prefer their food clean, so anything caked in mud gets a good washing before being swallowed.  For the most part, the food is eaten whole, although crayfish and crabs may be declawed before ingestion.

They are equally at home in fresh, brackish, and salt water, although they prefer fresh water when nesting as the young do not tolerate salt well.  Males can become very aggressive when protecting their nest and have been known to wrestle with threats.  They also will squabble over food, mates, and territory.

I find them a very stark-looking bird.  Fun to watch.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com