Ibis

White ibis are social birds; they forage in groups, fly in groups, and nest in colonies. They nest and roost in shallow wetlands and estuaries that can range in sizes up to 4,000 to 5,000 birds. Their curved red bill probe for insects and crustaceans beneath the surface of wetlands, but they also forage on lawns and in parks. They feed most often in wet areas with less than 8 inches of water for crayfish, earthworms, marine worms, and crabs. They also stab or pinch fish, frogs, lizards, snails, and newts. In flight, they alternate between rapid wingbeats and glides and can travel around 30 miles per hour. If a male feels threatened, he lunges at a rival male and snaps his bill. If a rival gets too close, the territory owner attacks by biting or holding down the rival's wing or head. Juveniles gradually turn from a mottled brown to white as they mature. Ibis family members include the ubiquitous White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, White-faced Ibis and the Roseate Spoonbill, who has a dedicated gallery on this site. At distance, Glossy Ibis look uniformly dark, but a close look in good light reveals stunning colors: deep maroon, emerald, bronze, and violet. The birds are somewhat nomadic, dispersing widely after the nesting season. Like their cousin, the White Ibis, they nest in colonies where there many eyes to spot predators. In addition, both species have similar foraging habits and diets. Courting Glossy Ibis bow to one another, preen each other (a behavior called allopreening), and touch their bills together, rattling them quickly while cooing. (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology)