Diet

What does the Scarlet Ibis eat?

These birds are considered carnivores. They survive on a diet of beetles, shrimps, insects, molluscs, small fish, crayfish and amphibians.

The scarlet ibis may obtain food by probing in the sand or under plants with its beak. Their main sense during feeding is touch rather than sight. They may also feed by swinging their bill from side to side in shallow water.

In zoos their diet is regularly supplemented with beetroot and carrot to maintain the vibrant red color.

Learn more about the Scarlet Ibis in this video from AMI: Accessible Media Inc. on YouTube

Range

Where do you find the Scarlet Ibis?

The Scarlet Ibis is a resident of South America and some of the Caribbean islands. They can be found in Argentina, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela and Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago.

They are most prolific in the Llanos region an area of western Venezuela and Eastern Colombia.

Habitat

Where can the Scarlet Ibis survive?

They inhabit wetlands and other areas of shoreline. They also range through mud flats, shorelines, mangroves, marshes and rainforest. They will gather near fresh and salt water estuaries.

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Reproduction

How does the Scarlet Ibis produce its young?

Scarlet ibis breeding season begins in mid-September. The mating pair will build a simple nest consisting of a loose platform of sticks.

The male will preen, shake, bill pop, head rub and perform high flights to attract the attention of the female. Generally egg laying takes place from November to January.

There is a gestation period of just under a week before the female will lay three to five eggs. The eggs are colored blue or green with brown patches.

The male and female share incubation duties over the 19-23 day period. The pair will remain faithful for the entire time they are raising the chicks.

Fledgling takes place at around 35 days old and they become independent at 75 days old.

Sexual maturity is reached between 4 and 5 years old.

Behavior

What does the Scarlet Ibis do during its day?

Scarlet ibises live in colonies which generally consist of about 30 birds. At some times these colonies will swell to thousands for protection.

When flying flocks form a V-shape. This makes flying easier and occasionally the bird at the front changes to reduce the fatigue this bird experiences. When flying the neck and legs are stretched out.

To gain safety they have been known to associate with storks, spoonbills, egrets, herons and ducks while flying or feeding.

Feeding takes place during the day. At night they will gather in flocks in trees to roost. Nesting in groups will allow them to take advantage of safety in numbers if a predator attacks.

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Predators and Threats

What stops the Scarlet Ibis from surviving and thriving?

Natural predators of the scarlet ibis include humans, big cats, racoons, crocodilians and birds of prey.

Numbers of this species are considered to be declining across their range. This is a result of habitat loss. Some may also be captured for food and for their feathers.

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Quick facts

The scarlet ibis is the national bird of Trinidad.

The scarlet ibis is closely related to the American white ibis with some biologists now calling for them to be listed as the same species.

Their species name, ruber, roughly translates as red.

Credit: Under License