BROWN IBIS
Plegadis falcinellus
DESCRIPTION
The Brown Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is a wading bird known for its long, curved bill and iridescent plumage. It is often found in wetlands and marshes, where it forages for food.
FUN FACTS
- Brown Ibises are known for their unique foraging technique using their long bills | They can often be seen in large flocks during migration | Their iridescent feathers can change color depending on the angle of light
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild
Average Weight0.7-1.5 kg
Average Length60-75 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuregroup — they often forage and roost in flocks
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer
- Habitat
- Brown Ibises inhabit wetlands, marshes, and coastal areas. They prefer shallow waters where they can easily forage for food.
- Biomes
- Wetlands, Coastal
- Native Range
- The species is found across parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
- Continent
- Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America
- Countries
- United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Italy, India, Egypt
- Diet
- The Brown Ibis primarily feeds on invertebrates, small fish, and plant material. It uses its long bill to probe into mud and shallow water to find its prey.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- invertebrates, small fish
- Social Structure
- group — they often forage and roost in flocks
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 5-50
- Territorial
- 0
VU
0.7-1.5 kg
Weight
60-75 cm
Length
- Coloration
- dark brown with iridescent green and purple highlights
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 2-5
- Sexual Maturity
- 1-2 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but habitat loss poses a threat.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 50,000-100,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Habitat destruction due to agriculture and urban development is a significant threat to the Brown Ibis. Pollution and climate change also impact their wetland habitats.
- Predators
- large birds of prey, mammals
- Defense Mechanisms
- They often rely on their ability to fly away quickly to escape predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon