Scarlet Ibis
⚡ Key Facts & Quick Answers (AEO Summary)
- Taxonomic Class: Birds (Aves)
- Dietary Niche: Carnivore (Crabs, shrimp, aquatic insects, small fish)
- Max Speed: 40 km/h (25 mph)
- Adult Weight: 0.6 - 1 kg (1.3 - 2.2 lbs)
- Typical Lifespan: 15 - 20 years
- Primary Habitat: Tropical mangrove swamps, muddy estuaries, coastal lagoons
- Native Region: Tropical South America and Caribbean
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
📊 Physical & Biological Metrics
🧬 Scientific Taxonomy & Biological Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Eudocimus |
| Species Binomial | Eudocimus ruber |
📖 1. Species Overview
The Scarlet Ibis is one of the most vividly colored birds in the world. Drenched in brilliant scarlet-red feathers from head to toe, it is the national bird of Trinidad and Tobago.
🦿 2. Physical Appearance, Anatomy & Adaptations
Features scarlet-red feathers across its entire body, dark blue wingtips, long legs, and a long down-curved bill.
🗺️ 3. Habitat, Geographic Distribution & Territorial Range
Highly social, roosting and foraging in flocks of thousands. They fly in 'V' formations over coastal mangroves.
🥩 4. Diet, Feeding Strategy & Hunting Tactics
Probe mudflats with their long curved bill, sensing crustaceans and red crabs.
🐣 5. Reproduction, Lifecycle & Social Hierarchy
Nest in colonies in mangrove trees, laying 2-4 greenish eggs. Chicks start out dull brown, turning red at 2 years.
🛡️ 6. Conservation Status, Population Threats & Protection
Least Concern. Protected in coastal reserves, though threatened by mangrove destruction.
💡 Fascinating Facts & Trivia
- Like flamingos, their intense red color is derived from astaxanthin pigments absorbed from their red crab diet.
- Juvenile scarlet ibises are born brown and white, only gaining their brilliant red feathers as they mature.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Direct authoritative answers regarding the biology, feeding habits, and habitat of the Scarlet Ibis.
The Scarlet Ibis is scientifically classified as Eudocimus ruber. It belongs to the genus Eudocimus within the family Threskiornithidae, class Aves, and phylum Chordata.
In the wild, Scarlet Ibiss inhabit Tropical mangrove swamps, muddy estuaries, coastal lagoons. Their native geographic range primarily spans Tropical South America and Caribbean.
The Scarlet Ibis is classified as a Carnivore. It feeds primarily on specialized nutrients suited to its ecological niche in Tropical mangrove swamps, muddy estuaries, coastal lagoons.
A Scarlet Ibis can achieve top speeds of 40 km/h (25 mph) and weighs approximately 0.6 - 1 kg (1.3 - 2.2 lbs). Its expected natural lifespan is 15 - 20 years.
The Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber) is currently designated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Cite this Article
FaunaWiki Zoological Database (2026). "Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber) Species Profile."
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