- Probing: White ibises often use their long, decurved beaks to probe the soft mud of shallow wetlands. They typically insert their beaks deep into the mud and sweep them from side to side, feeling for buried prey. When they encounter something edible, they quickly snap their beaks closed and retrieve the item.
- Wading: White ibises frequently wade through shallow waters, using their long legs to navigate the terrain. As they walk, they keep their eyes fixed on the surface of the water, watching for any signs of movement. When they spot potential prey, they quickly lunge forward and capture it with their beaks.
- Stalking: Sometimes, white ibises adopt a stalking strategy to hunt. They will quietly and slowly approach their target, usually insects or crustaceans, until they are within striking distance. Then, they make a sudden dart forward and catch the prey before it has a chance to escape.
- Gleaning: When foraging on land, white ibises sometimes engage in gleaning. They meticulously examine exposed surfaces, such as rocks, plant stalks, and leaves, and pick off any edible items they find. This type of foraging is particularly effective in open areas like salt flats and grassy plains.
- Social feeding: White ibises are known to display social feeding behavior. A group of ibises may cooperate to locate and exploit a feeding opportunity. By sharing information and coordinating their efforts, they increase their chances of obtaining food successfully.
By utilizing their versatile repertoire of foraging techniques, white ibises adapt well to varying environmental conditions and exploit a wide range of food sources. Their feeding flexibility contributes to their successful survival and abundance in wetland ecosystems.