I first saw White-faced Ibis in Yellowstone. Although they breed in western Wyoming and central Montana, I only ever saw them migrating. This breeding couple (male birds are larger) are resting along the Madison River. Standing on one leg, warming the other on this very chilly Yellowstone April morning.
Their iridescent green, bronze, maroon. and red plumage shimmers in the morning sun.
There are only three types of Ibis in the United States. The Glossy Ibis breeds along the East Coast wetlands but is primarily in Florida. The White Ibis is found in wetlands of the southern states with year-round status in Florida. BUT, one sunny May morning at Fountain Creek Nature Center in Colorado we saw a White Ibis! Many, many, many miles from its true home!! Birders were flocking (no pun intended–oh yes it was 😉 ) to see this amazing bird so far from home.
The White-faced Ibis spends most of their time in inland wetlands of the western/midwestern states. Always exciting to see them!
White-faced Ibis are medium sized, long-legged wading birds. We’ve seen them in the shallow edges of lakes hunting. Their diet consists of invertebrates such as earthworms, crayfish, and insects. Although some shorebirds can swim, Ibis cannot. They prefer water that is less than 18 inches deep and use their bills to hunt in the mud, as well as the grasses.
The non-breeding birds do not have the white face and are less colorful but still have metallic green and bronze wings and tail. Even when flying it is hard to mistake them for any other bird with a bill half the size of their body and the iridescent coloring.
I visited Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge near Malta, Montana, for the first time the beginning of August. A wonderful surprise awaited, but the first surprise was less wonderful. Taking the 15-mile Auto Tour around Lake Bowdoin, you never get close to the water. Even my longest lens would not get decent pictures and identifying species was tough even with binoculars. Hmmm . . .
Then suddenly a shallow pond was right next to the road and SURPRISE! A young White-faced Ibis!
Yes, they have red eyes. Why do some birds have red eyes? Check here:
Hundreds of White-face Ibis form colonies during breeding season. Colonies provide mate selection opportunities and shared protection from predators. These Ibis are are born helpless with pink skin and light brown down. It takes two days for their eyes to fully open. They fledge (grow their flight feathers) in five weeks and become independent by about eight weeks. Were the parents hiding nearby? Unlikely. Once youngsters are independent, the parents leave. As temperatures cool and birds are drawn to migration, the young Ibis will join a flock in order to migrate in safety.
Even the youngsters have the bronze/green/red shimmering feathers. Beautiful!
Until next time my friend–slow down, look around. You never know what surprise will delight you!
