American White Ibis

The American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) is a species of bird in the ibis family, Threskiornithidae. It is found from Virginia via the Gulf Coast of the United States south through most of the coastal new world tropics. This particular ibis is a medium-sized bird with a white overall plumage, a brilliant red-orange bill with a downward curve, long legs, and black wing tips that are typically only visible in flight. Males have longer bills and greater size than females.

The breeding range encompasses the shores of the Gulf, Atlantic, Mexico, and Central America. Outside of the mating season, the distribution includes a broader section of North America as well as the Caribbean. Along the coast of northwest South America, it is also found in Colombia and Venezuela. Numerous populations coexist and breed with the scarlet ibis in central Venezuela. Some specialists consider the two to be one species. Their primary feeding sources are tiny aquatic creatures like insects and tiny fish. Its preferred meal in most places is crayfish, however, it can alter its diet based on the environment and the availability of prey. Its primary method of foraging involves probing the bottom of shallow water with its beak in order to locate and seize its prey.