White Ibis

     This evening at dusk, we witnessed a flyover by two groups of 15-20 White Ibises.  This is a nightly occurrence over our backyard.  We've also seen evening flyovers by Wood Storks and Great Egrets.

    The White Ibis is most common in Florida.  They can also be found throughout the Caribbean, on both coasts of Mexico and Central America, and as far south as Columbia and Venezuela. The non-breeding range extends further inland, reaching north to Virginia and west to eastern Texas.

     The White Ibis is a medium-sized wading bird with white plumage, a red-orange down-curved bill and long red-orange legs.  Their black wing tips are usually only visible in flight.  During breeding, their bills and legs become bright red.  Males and females are similar in appearance except, males are larger and have longer bills.  Juveniles appear brown and only the rump, underwing and underparts are white.  They attain their adult plumage, size, and weight by the end of their second year.  Enjoy these photos of the White Ibis.....tweet.....tweet!!



White Ibis
(Taken 5/4/12, Englewood FL)

White Ibis (Immature)
(Taken 7/10/12, Gasparilla Island FL)

  

White Ibis
(Breeding Plumage)
(Taken 6/23/11, Gasparilla Island FL)

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White_Ibis/id