White and White-Faced Ibis on Our Photo Tours

Ibis fighting over territory

On our spring photo tours, we frequently photograph ibises. The three subspecies commonly encountered include:

White Ibis (Eudocimus albus)

Abundant throughout Louisiana, the White Ibis is frequently photographed during our spring tours.

White Ibis

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)

Primarily found inland, this is the most prominent dark-colored ibis seen on our tours. It is distinguished from the Glossy Ibis by the white border around its eyes and more vibrant reddish-brown eye color. Juvenile White-faced Ibises lack the white facial border, making them difficult to distinguish from the Glossy Ibis.

White-Faced Ibis

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

Usually found near the coast, the Glossy Ibis is rarely seen on our tours.

Ibises often congregate in flocks and are commonly encountered feeding in the shallow waters of Lake Martin and Miller’s Lake. At Miller’s Lake, thousands of White-faced and White Ibises nest from March through early June. At Lake Martin, large flocks of White Ibises roost overnight in the cypress trees surrounding the lake. During the spring mating season, White Ibises display striking bright red bills and facial markings.

Habitat and Distribution in Louisiana

In Southern Louisiana, both the White-faced and Glossy Ibises inhabit similar wetland environments, such as marshes, rice fields, and shallow freshwater areas. However, their distribution varies:

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)

  • More common in Louisiana’s interior wetlands, including freshwater marshes, rice fields, and coastal prairies.

  • Frequently seen in places like Cameron Parish, Lacassine NWR, and Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, especially during migration and breeding seasons.

  • Prefers slightly drier wetland areas compared to the Glossy Ibis.

  • More abundant in Louisiana than the Glossy Ibis.

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

  • Primarily found in coastal wetlands and brackish marshes, often near the Gulf of Mexico.

  • Less common in Louisiana than the White-faced Ibis.

  • More frequently observed in eastern Louisiana, especially around the Mississippi River Delta, Barataria Preserve, and Grand Isle.

Key Identification Tips

  • Breeding Season (Spring-Summer): The White-faced Ibis is easier to identify due to its white facial outline and red eyes, whereas the Glossy Ibis has a darker face with bluish skin around the eyes.

  • Non-Breeding Season (Fall-Winter): They are harder to distinguish, but the White-faced Ibis is far more common in Louisiana, making it the more likely species in most cases.

Behavior and Feeding Habits

Ibises are highly social wading birds, often seen in flocks both in flight and while foraging. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, feeding in shallow wetlands, marshes, rice fields, and coastal areas.

Feeding Behavior

  • Use their long, curved bills to probe in mud, soft soil, or shallow water.

  • Their diet consists mainly of:

    • Insects (beetles, dragonflies, grasshoppers)

    • Crustaceans (crayfish, shrimp, fiddler crabs)

    • Small fish and amphibians

    • Occasionally plant matter and seeds

  • Foraging Strategy: They sweep their bills side to side in the water to locate prey by touch rather than sight.

  • Flocking Behavior: Often feed in mixed flocks with other wading birds, such as egrets, herons, and spoonbills.

Migration and Seasonal Patterns

While ibises occur year-round in Louisiana, their numbers fluctuate due to seasonal migrations.

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi)

  • Partially migratory; some populations move south to Central and South America, while others winter along the Gulf Coast.

  • Large numbers winter in Louisiana’s coastal marshes and rice fields.

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

  • Primarily migratory, with Louisiana populations wintering along the Gulf Coast or moving farther south.

  • More commonly seen in spring and summer, though some may overwinter.

White Ibis (Eudocimus albus)

  • Partially migratory; some remain in Louisiana year-round, while others migrate to Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico for the winter.

Nesting and Juvenile Development

Ibises nest in large colonies, often in cypress swamps, flooded forests, or marshes. Nesting typically occurs from March through June, depending on water levels and food availability.

Nesting Behavior

  • Nest Locations: Built in trees, shrubs, or marsh vegetation, often over water to protect against predators.

  • Materials: Nests are made from twigs, reeds, and grasses, loosely woven together.

  • Clutch Size: Typically 2-4 eggs, with incubation lasting about 3 weeks.

  • Parental Care: Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and feeding the hatchlings.

Juvenile Appearance

  • Hatchlings are covered in downy feathers, appearing grayish or brown.

  • As they grow, juveniles develop darker, mottled plumage before acquiring full adult coloration.

  • Young birds fledge within 4-5 weeks but remain dependent on their parents for food for several weeks afterward.

By joining our Spring Photo Tours, you’ll have the chance to observe and photograph these fascinating birds in their natural habitat, capturing incredible moments of their feeding, nesting, and flocking behaviors.

Juvenile Ibis