Bare-faced Ibis look-alikes
Phimosus infuscatus
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Bare-faced Ibis. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellus
Key differences
The Glossy Ibis is slightly smaller, has less extensive and duller bare facial skin (often grayish-blue), and its plumage exhibits richer chestnut tones, especially on the neck and body, with a more pronounced metallic purple-green sheen. The Bare-faced Ibis is distinctly darker and lacks the chestnut coloration.
Green Ibis
Mesembrinibis cayennensis
Key differences
The Green Ibis has an entirely feathered head, lacking the bare facial skin of the Bare-faced Ibis. Its plumage is uniformly dark green-glossed black, and its bill is greenish-black. It also tends to be more solitary and favors forested wetlands rather than open areas.
White-faced Ibis
Plegadis chihi
Key differences
The White-faced Ibis, similar in shape to the Glossy Ibis, has prominent white feathering bordering its bare facial skin (especially in breeding plumage), and bright red legs and eyes, features absent in the Bare-faced Ibis. Its bare facial skin is also reddish.
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