Scarlet ibis
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
Body length
55-60 cm
Body weight
650 g
Habitat
estuaries, floodplains, mangrove swamps
Distribution
North of South America
Conservation status
Scarlet ibis
Eudocimus ruber
Our animals
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Diet
crustaceans, molluscs and insects
Reproduction
The nest consists of 1-3 eggs and the incubation period is 21-23 days.
They are considered adults from the age of 3 and can live up to 20 years.
- They get their scarlet red colour from the natural carotenoid content of crustaceans,
molluscs and insects that they eat. The national bird of Trinidad and Tobago, it also features on the country's coat of arms. - Their beaks are long, curved and downward sloping. They use it to rummage in the mud for food. It nests in large colonies. They build their nests on the tops of trees. Young birds have brownish plumage.