Scarlet ibis
Statut U.I.C.N
Union Internationale pour la Conservation de la Nature
- lc Préoccupation mineure
- nt Quasi menacé
- vu Vulnérable
- en En danger
- cr En danger critique
- ew Éteint dans la nature
- ex Éteint
Carte d'identité
- Classe :
- Birds
- Ordre :
- Pelecaniformes
- Famille :
- Threskiornithidae
- Genre :
- Eudocimus
- Espèce :
- ruber
- Taille moyenne
- 55 to 65 cm
- Poids
- About 1 kg
- Gestation
- Incubation: 19 to 23 days
3 to 5 eggs per clutch - Habitat
- Wetlands
- Régime
- Carnivore
The bird with blazing colours
Its vivid red colour comes from its diet: the small crustaceans it eats are rich in carotenoids, pigments that gradually colour its feathers.
Threats and conservation
The scarlet ibis is threatened by the drying-up of wetlands, chemical pollution of waterways, deforestation, as well as poaching and hunting. To protect it, wetlands and breeding sites are preserved, the species is present in several protected areas and its international trade is strictly regulated.
Fun fact
At birth, the scarlet ibis is grey-brown. Its magnificent red plumage appears gradually as it grows.
