Phimosus infuscatus
The Bare-faced Ibis (Phimosus infuscatus) is a distinctive medium-sized ibis, measuring approximately 46-56 cm (18-22 inches) in length with a wingspan of around 85-95 cm. Its plumage is uniformly dusky, ranging from a dull greenish-black to brownish-black, often with a subtle iridescent sheen in good light. The most striking field mark is its unfeathered facial skin, which extends from the bill base around the eyes, appearing reddish-pink to purplish, giving it its 'bare-faced' moniker. It s...
Primarily inhabits damp grasslands, marshes, seasonally flooded savannas, pastures, and the edges of ponds and slow-moving rivers, typically found in lowlands and foothills up to about 1,000 meters (3,300 feet).
Feeds primarily on invertebrates such as insects (especially larvae), worms, crustaceans, and mollusks, complemented by small vertebrates like frogs, and occasionally seeds, obtained by probing in soft substrates.
Bare-faced Ibises are diurnal and highly social, often foraging in small to large flocks, and roosting communally in trees or dense vegetation overnight. Their primary foraging strategy involves systematically probing their long, decurved bills into soft mud, wet soil, or shallow water, using tac...
The Bare-faced Ibis has a wide distribution across South America, primarily east of the Andes. Its range extends from central Colombia and Venezuela eastward through the Guianas, and southward across most of Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and northeastern Argentina. It is largely a resident ...
Least Concern
- The Bare-faced Ibis gets its scientific genus name 'Phimosus' from Greek, meaning 'muzzled,' referring to its distinctive unfeathered facial skin. - Unlike many other ibis species, it often forages in damp pastures and agricultural fields, showing a higher tolerance for human-modified landscape...