Unmistakable, beautiful orange-red ibis with black wingtips. Breeding adults have black bills, pink at other times. Immatures are dark above with white bellies and pink bills. Restricted to mangroves and adjacent muddy estuaries. The Scarlet Ibis has a long curved beak, long legs, and a long neck. It measures around 55-63 centimeters (22-25 inches) in length.

Habitats & Distribution

The Scarlet Ibis inhabits coastal regions, thriving in tropical wetlands such as mangrove swamps, shallow lakes, and rivers across northeastern South America and the Caribbean. They are particularly prevalent in countries like Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, and coastal islands including Trinidad and Tobago. These environments provide abundant food resources such as crustaceans, small fish, and insects which contribute to their vibrant scarlet plumage. Their distribution is largely influenced by the availability of suitable nesting sites and food. During breeding season, they congregate in large colonies often located on mangrove islands or in dense marshes, which offer protection from predators. Outside of the breeding season, they may be found roosting in large trees or foraging in nearby tidal flats and mudflats. Their strong preference for wetland habitats makes them especially sensitive to environmental changes and habitat destruction.

Behaviours & Reproduction

The Scarlet Ibis exhibits highly social behavior, often forming large, cohesive flocks that can number in the hundreds. These groups collaborate in foraging and protection against predators. Mating habits involve elaborate courtship displays, where males exhibit their vibrant plumage and perform specific movements and calls to attract females. Pairs often engage in mutual preening and synchronized movements to strengthen their bond. Reproduction in Scarlet Ibises involves nesting in colonies, usually in mangroves or other densely vegetated areas. Both parents participate in nest-building using sticks and other plant materials. After the female lays 2-4 eggs, both parents share incubation duties for about three weeks. Post-hatching, the chicks are altricial, requiring continuous care and feeding from both parents until they fledge and join the flock, ensuring a higher survival rate through communal vigilance and cooperative rearing.

Diet

Crustaceans, small fish, and insects.

Colors

Red

Fun Facts

Scarlet Ibis get their vibrant red coloration from the pigments in the crustaceans they consume. They are social birds and often seen in large flocks.

Conservation Status & Efforts

The Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber) is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, but it faces numerous threats that could impact its population if not managed properly. The primary threats to the Scarlet Ibis include habitat destruction, pollution, and human disturbance, particularly in their breeding and feeding areas like mangroves and wetlands. Despite these challenges, their population trend remains stable overall, thanks to various conservation efforts. Conservation measures for the Scarlet Ibis focus on habitat protection and restoration, as well as legal protections. Protected areas have been established in key habitats to safeguard important nesting and feeding sites. Additionally, awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives aim to reduce human disturbances and promote sustainable practices. There are also ongoing research and monitoring programs to better understand the species' ecology and inform future conservation strategies.