Scarlet ibis

Animal facts

Ibis are completely scarlet, except for black wing-tips. Their brilliant red colour comes from pigments in the bodies of crustaceans on which they feed. These shrimp have red colour pigments in their bodies which transfer to the feathers of the ibis.

Their long, pointed beak is very sensitive and allows the birds to feel for food as they probe in the mud along the coastline of their habitat.

Ibises nest in large colonies. Both parents help to build the nest which is made of a loose pile of sticks. The female ibis lays two or three dull green eggs streaked with brown. Both parents care for the young once they hatch. After 23 days of incubation, the young ibis is able to leave the nest. At first they are featherless, then they grow dark brown feathers, which slowly change to red as they age.

Where they live

Tropical South America and Trinidad and Tobago

Habitat

Tropical mangrove, rainforest and mud flats.

What they eat

Their diet includes crustaceans and similar small marine animals, fish, meat, seeds and fruit.