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Scarlet ibis

Eudocimus ruber

Scarlet ibis at Paignton Zoo
IUCN Conservation Status –
Least Concern
Extinct In The Wild
Class: Birds
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Threskiornithidae

Native to the northern coast of South America and parts of the Caribbean, the scarlet ibis inhabits wetlands and other marshy habitats.

In the wild they feed on small aquatic animals, fish, insects, molluscs and crustaceans.

Interesting facts!

  • Both males and females of the species have striking pink–red plumage. Juveniles have grey feathers until they fully mature.
  • The scarlet ibis is one of the national birds of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean!
  • This bird is very social, living in large flocks, sometimes with other bird species such as storks or herons.

Conservation

The scarlet ibis is currently listed as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Despite this, wild populations are slowly declining due to habitat degradation, overhunting and the collection of eggs by humans. The scarlet ibis has a protected status throughout the world.