White-faced Ibis

58 cm (23") Fairly common west of Mississippi. Marshes; prefers freshwater.

Large all dark wader with long downcurved bill. Chestnut head and neck but appears black at a distance. Similar to eastern Glossy Ibis but in summer White-faced has all-red legs, red eyes, reddish bill and a distinctive white border around its red facial skin at base of bill. In winter it looks exactly like Glossy.

Flies with neck extended, alternately flapping and gliding.

Song: grunting.

Videos

Images

Credit: Ken Schneider

Credit: Chuq Von Rospach

Credit: Chuq Von Rospach

Credit: Mike Baird

Distribution Maps

White-faced Ibis winter distribution map

White-faced Ibis distribution map