American White Ibis

Description:

This ibis is a medium-sized bird with an overall white plumage, bright red-orange down-curved bill and long legs, and black wing tips that are usually only visible in flight. Males are larger and have longer bills than females.

Habitat:

It is found from the mid-Atlantic and Gulf Coast of the United States south through most of the New World tropics. It is found in a variety of habitats, although shallow coastal marshes, wetlands and mangrove swamps are preferred. This one was photographed at the Kathwood Ponds at the Silver Bluff Audubon Center near Jackson (Aiken County), SC.

Notes:

The diet consists primarily of small aquatic prey such as insects and small fishes. Crayfish are its preferred food in most regions; however, it can adjust its diet according to the habitat and prey abundance.