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White-faced Ibis -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 22-26 inches | Wingspan: 38 inches | Seasonality: Summer |
| ID Keys: Dark brown and chestnut body, long decurved bill, reddish legs. | ||
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White-faced Ibis
Plegadis chihi
The White-faced Ibis is the Ibis most commonly found in South Dakota. It is very similar to the Glossy Ibis, but the two species ranges are generally distinctive. Where they do overlap, intermediates (possibly hybrids) can make positive identification nearly impossible. They currently appear to be expanding in both range and in number.
Habitat: Prefers shallow freshwater marshes, flooded fields, rice paddies. Will also forage in saltwater marshes.
Diet: Mostly insect and crustaceans, also earthworms, frogs, tadpoles, snails, leeches, and small fish.
Nesting: June and July.
Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map
Song: White-faced Ibis.song.
Migrations: Summers in scattered locations throughout the central and western United States. Winters in California, Arizona, the Gulf Coast, and points south.
Similar Species: Glossy Ibis. Juvenile White Ibis can appear similar.
Status: Has increased in number since the 1970s, and is expanding in range. Previous declines are attributed to DDT and other pesticides.
Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, White-faced Ibis
2) Cornell Lab of Ornithology - White-faced Ibis
3) eNature.com: White-faced Ibis
Photo Information: April 25th, 2004 -- 4 miles west of Oldham -- Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution White-faced Ibis photos.
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
