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Eudocimus albus
The white plumage and pink facial skin of adult American White Ibises are distinctive. Adults have black wingtips that are usually only visible in flight. In non-breeding condition the long downcurved bill and long legs are bright red-orange. During the first ten days of the breeding season, the skin darkens to a deep pink on the bill and an almost purple-tinted red on the legs. It then fades to a paler pink, and the tip of the bill becomes blackish. It is difficult to determine the sex of an adult American White Ibis from its external appearance, since the sexes have similar plumage.
Wetlands
Spotted on Apr 5, 2014
Submitted on Apr 6, 2014
2 Comments
I love the breeding colors. I posted a picture of one in my backyard that had grown a bright red wattle or gular sac under his chin, also a breeding season phenomenon but only lasting a very brief time.
Nice series!