Conservation status: Least Concern
Lifespan: Up to 20 years
Size: Wingspan: 36-56 inches (90-140 cm)
Weight: 1.8-2.7 pounds (0.8-1.2 kg)
Diet: Insects, worms, fish, crustaceans, and plant material
Habitat: Mangrove forests, swamps, marshes, and other coastal areas
Range: South America, Central America, and the Caribbean
Physical features:
* Bright scarlet feathers that cover its entire body, except for the tips of its wings, which are black.
* Long, pointed beak that is black with a yellow tip
* Long legs that are black or dark red
* Long tail that is black or dark red
* Scarlet ibises are gregarious birds that live in large flocks. They are vocal and communicative, using a variety of calls and body language to communicate with each other.
* They are opportunistic feeders and will eat a wide variety of food items, including insects, worms, fish, crustaceans, and plant material. They will often probe in mudflats and shallow water to find food.
* Scarlet ibises are territorial birds and will defend their nesting sites from other birds. They build nests in trees or shrubs, and typically lay two or three eggs per clutch. The eggs are incubated by both parents, and the chicks hatch after about 28 days. The chicks are fed by their parents until they are able to fly on their own.
* Scarlet ibises are important members of the ecosystem. They help to control the population of insects and other small animals, and they help to disperse seeds. They are also a popular tourist attraction, and their beauty and grace have been enjoyed by people around the world.