facts about the scarlet ibis
Facts About the Scarlet Ibis
Although having a close resemblance with around 27 other ibis species, the scarlet ibis stands out due to its bright and vibrant scarlet coloration. To know more about this watchful bird, go through this Buzzle article.
The Secret of Scarlet
The scarlet ibis gets its bright red color from the carotenoids present in its staple food - crustaceans.Appearance and Features
► These birds are scarlet red in color with black wingtips that are visible only during flight.
► It has been said that the black color on the wingtips comes from the melanin pigment and it gives strength to the bird.
► They are monochromatic birds, i.e., males and females have equal coloration.
► The male ibis is slightly larger than the female and weighs around 650g. The bill of the male ibis is also a little longer and thicker than the female. The length of these birds vary from 50 to 60 cm.
► Chicks are featherless and eventually attain a brownish-gray color with a tinge of white.
► Their legs are long and slender with a slight webbing between the feet to enable a good grip while perching on trees.
► The long and curved bill helps locate and get hold of the food in mud flats.
Range and Habitat
► The scarlet ibis has a long range of distribution and it is native to places like Brazil, French Guiana, Argentina, Netherlands, Antilles, Suriname, Venezuela, Trinidad, Tobago, Colombia, and Guyana. They are occasional visitors to Florida.
► Rainforest and wetland ecosystems like tropical mangroves, mud flats, shallow bays, and marshes are suitable habitats for this bird.
Eating Habits
► In the wild, the scarlet ibis feeds mainly on crabs, which are found on the mud flats at low tide, and on the stilt roots of the red mangrove. Crustaceans, mollusks, worms, frogs, and insects also form a major part of its diet.
► In captivity, these birds are given a commercial pellet diet on a regular basis. Fish, insects, and crustaceans are given depending on their availability.
Nesting and Breeding
► The male performs courtship dances to attract the female bird.
► The brightness of the plumage of the male proves to be one of the deciding factors in the selection of the partner. As mentioned earlier, the bright plumage of the male bird determines its well-being and is associated with better genes.
► Mating pairs build their nest together in mangrove trees with particular sticks in the form of loose platforms.
► The female bird lays two or three pale-green eggs with brown streaks.
► Both the parents incubate the eggs for 19 - 23 days and take care of their little ones.
► The pair is committed to each other and stay together for their entire life and protect the family.
Social Behavior
► The scarlet ibis is social by nature and hence, lives in colonies where the nests are built in proximity to each other.
► They live in a flock of thirty or more, and work together while foraging for food and looking after their young.
► Although they prefer being closer to water for food and nesting, these birds have great flying skills. They make the classic V-formation while flying and take alternative turns to lead the flock.
Though the scarlet ibis is not a threatened species, it may soon get that status, if we humans don't stop destroying its natural habitat, over-hunting it for its feathers, and collecting its eggs. Apart from this, raccoons, ocelots, and snakes are the main predators of this bird.