Scarlet ibis | Chester Zoo animals

About

The scarlet ibis is native to South America and some Caribbean islands. It can be found in Argentina, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago.

These highly social birds live in mixed flocks with other species such as storks, herons, and ducks, both while feeding and flying for protection.

Their long, thin, and curved bills come in handy when foraging for food. The ibises use their bills to probe under sand and plants in search of prey.

Scarlet ibis facts

SPECIES

I am a bird

Scarlet ibises are wading birds with fabulous, bright red plumage.

FOUND IN

South America and Caribbean islands

HABITAT

Wetlands, marshy areas and mudflats

They prefer fresh, brackish, and saltwater habitats.

DIET

Omnivore

Their diet consists of beetles, shrimp, insects, molluscs, small fish, crayfish and amphibians.

BEHAVIOUR

Neighbourly and social

They form flocks of 30 or more individuals, called a “congregation.” They coexist with other bird species, forming a mutualistic relationship in which they work together for food, safety and protection.

AVERAGE SIZE

55 - 63cm long

They weight around 1kg.

LIFE SPAN

Around 16 years

Although, they can live for up to 20 years with human care.

ZOO LOCATION

Latin American Wetland Aviary

You can find them sharing their habitat with Caribbean flamingos, black-necked stilts and a variety of Latin American waterfowl.

IUCN red list statusLeast Concern