Green ibis, Costa Rica by David Whited

Green ibis, Costa Rica

David Whited

Green ibis, Costa Rica

Digital photography

Inv: PH-1162

The Green Ibis is a dark-colored ibis of wetlands and swampy woods in Central and South America. It is dark glossy green overall, but may appear blackish in poor light. The only species in its genus, the Green Ibis is stockier and shorter-legged than the similar Plegadis ibises. It feeds on aquatic invertebrates by walking slowly and probing its long bill into mud, dirt, and shallow water. Birds typically occur alone or in pairs, but occasionally in small flocks. The twig nest is built high in a tree over water. The Green Ibis is resident in lowlands from Honduras south to northern Argentina, but in some parts of its range, with more seasonal rainfall, it shifts habitat, moving from forests in the wet season to open areas in the dry season. (Cornell Lab)