White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi
White-faced Ibis, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, August 2004 - click for larger image

The White-faced Ibis is distributed from USA to Central America and south central South America. See the distribution map at xeno-canto. It is found on marshes, ponds, rice fields and other freshwater habitats where it feeds on insect larvae, shellfish, snails, frogs and small fish.

White-faced Ibis, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, August 2004 - click for larger image It gets its name from the white border to the pinkish facial skin. While this is not evident throughout most of the year it is visible in photos 3, 4 and 5. It is distinguished from Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus by the less extensive bare skin on the face, the greenish metallic shine to the upperparts and, in flight, the longer legs protruding well beyond the end of the tail.
White-faced Ibis, Lago Villarica, Chile, November 2005 - click for larger image Photos 1 and 2 were taken in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil in August. Photos 3, 4 and 5 of birds in breeding plumage were taken at Lago Villarica, Chile in November. Photos 6, 7 and 8 were taken in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil in October. Photo 8 shows an immature bird.
White-faced Ibis, Lago Villarica, Chile, November 2005 - click for larger image
White-faced Ibis, Lago Villarica, Chile, November 2005 - click for larger image
White-faced Ibis, Lagoa do Peixe, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, October 2022 - click for larger image
White-faced Ibis, Lagoa do Peixe, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, October 2022 - click for larger image
White-faced Ibis, Lagoa do Peixe, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, October 2022 - click for larger image
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