Bare-faced Ibis

About

The Bare-faced Ibis is a medium-sized wading bird characterized by its glossy, dark plumage and distinctive bare, reddish-orange facial skin. It is typically found in wetland habitats across South America, where it forages for invertebrates and small vertebrates. Its often gregarious nature and unique appearance make it a notable species among New World ibises.

Size & lifespan

Length

46-55 cm (18-22 in)

Wingspan

80-90 cm (31-35 in)

Weight

450-750 g (16-26 oz)

Lifespan

Typically 10-15 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity.

Diet

Mainly insects (especially beetles, grasshoppers, crickets), insect larvae, earthworms, snails, and small crustaceans. Occasionally consumes small fish, frogs, and lizards.

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adults possess a dark, glossy, greenish-bronze plumage that can appear blackish in certain lights. The head, neck, and underparts are typically darker, often purplish-black. The feathers of the hindneck are elongated, forming a slight crest, though this is not always prominent.

Beak shape

Long, slender, decurved (downcurved) bill, typically dark grayish or blackish, with a slight reddish tinge at the base in some individuals.

Eye color

Dark brown, set within the prominent bare facial skin.

Leg color

Dull reddish-orange to grayish-red, contrasting with the dark body.

Distinguishing features

The most striking feature is the large area of bare, wrinkled, reddish-orange facial skin, extending from the base of the bill around the eye and covering the lores and periocular region. This bare skin is a key identification mark. It also has a noticeably short tail for an ibis.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are duller than adults, lacking the glossy sheen. Their bare facial skin is less intensely colored, often grayish or duller reddish, and less wrinkled. The plumage may be more brownish-black.

Seasonal changes

The intensity of the reddish-orange facial skin may be more vibrant during the breeding season, but overall plumage does not show significant seasonal changes.

Sexual dimorphism

Males and females are similar in plumage and size; no significant sexual dimorphism is observed.

How to identify

1. 1

   Bare Facial Skin

   Look for the large, prominent patch of wrinkled, reddish-orange bare skin on the face, extending around the eye and to the base of the bill. This is the most diagnostic feature.

2. 2

   Plumage Color

   Observe the uniform dark, glossy greenish-bronze plumage. It appears very dark, almost black, but with a subtle metallic sheen in good light.

3. 3

   Bill Shape and Color

   Note the long, slender, strongly decurved dark bill. It is noticeably curved downwards along its entire length.

4. 4

   Leg Color

   Identify the dull reddish-orange to grayish-red legs, which contrast with the dark body.

5. 5

   Short Tail

   In flight or when perched, notice its relatively short tail compared to other ibis species.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Tropical and subtropical grasslands, marshes, swamps, wet pastures, rice fields, and the edges of rivers and lakes.

Geographic range

South America, including parts of Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northern Argentina.

Elevation range

Primarily found in lowlands, from sea level up to approximately 500 meters (1,640 ft), occasionally higher in some Andean valleys.

Preferred environments

Prefers open, shallow-water wetlands, often with some emergent vegetation. Frequently found foraging in flooded fields, mudflats, and seasonally inundated savannas.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, active during daylight hours for foraging, resting, and social interactions.

Feeding habits

Forages by probing its long, decurved bill into soft mud or shallow water to locate invertebrates. It often wades slowly, sweeping its bill from side to side. Also observed gleaning insects from vegetation and sometimes catches prey in open water.

Social behavior

Highly gregarious, often found in flocks of varying sizes, from a few individuals to hundreds, especially during foraging and roosting. Nests colonially.

Flight pattern

Flies with its neck extended and legs trailing behind, characteristic of ibises. Flight is typically strong and direct, often in V-formations or undulating lines when in flocks. Gliding is common after a series of wing beats.

Migration pattern

Primarily resident throughout its range, but local movements and seasonal dispersal occur in response to rainfall patterns and food availability. Some populations may undertake short-distance migrations.

Territoriality

While nesting, pairs defend a small area around their nest site within the colony. Foraging flocks are generally tolerant of other individuals.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies geographically, generally coinciding with the rainy season or periods of abundant food. For example, in Venezuela, May-July; in Brazil, October-February.

Nesting habits

Nests colonially, often in trees or shrubs over water, sometimes in reedbeds. Nests are typically platforms made of sticks, reeds, and other vegetation, built by both parents.

Clutch size

Typically 2-5 eggs, most commonly 3-4.

Egg description

Usually 2-5 eggs, pale greenish-blue or pale olive, sometimes marked with faint brownish spots.

Incubation period

Approximately 21-23 days, incubated by both parents.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge around 28-35 days after hatching, but remain dependent on parents for some time afterward.

Parental care

Both parents participate in nest building, incubation, and feeding of the young. Young are fed by regurgitation.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Scan Open Wetlands. Bare-faced Ibises prefer open, shallow-water environments. Use binoculars to scan across large expanses of wetlands and flooded fields.
2. Look for Flocks. They are highly gregarious. Spotting one often means there are others nearby. Look for groups foraging together or flying in V-formations.
3. Observe Foraging Behavior. Watch for their characteristic probing action, sweeping their decurved bills through soft mud or shallow water.
4. Listen for Calls. Their guttural, croaking calls can often alert you to their presence, especially when they are flying or in large roosts.
5. Visit During Rainy Season. Their distribution and abundance can be linked to water levels; the rainy season often expands suitable foraging habitat.

Similar species

Quick facts

Distinctive Feature:

Bare, reddish-orange facial skin

Social Tendencies:

Highly gregarious, forms large flocks

Habitat Preference:

Open, shallow-water wetlands and flooded fields

Dietary Niche:

Primarily invertebrates, probed from mud

Nesting Type:

Colonial nesters, often in trees over water

Fun facts

• The genus name 'Phimosus' comes from Greek 'phimos' meaning 'muzzle' or 'bridle', referring to its bare face.
• Despite its dark appearance, its plumage can show beautiful iridescent green and bronze sheens in good light, particularly on the wings and back.
• Bare-faced Ibises are often seen foraging alongside other wetland birds like egrets, herons, and other ibis species.
• Their probing technique is highly specialized, allowing them to detect prey hidden beneath the surface of the mud or shallow water without relying on sight.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Pelecaniformes

Family

Threskiornithidae

Genus

Phimosus

Species

infuscatus

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