Mesembrinibis cayennensis
The Green Ibis, Mesembrinibis cayennensis, is a striking and often elusive wading bird known for its distinctively dark, iridescent plumage. Measuring approximately 45-60 cm (18-24 in) in length with a wingspan of 80-90 cm (31-35 in) and weighing 700-800g, it boasts a deep, glossy dark green to bronzy-purple sheen, especially on its head, neck, and upperparts, which can appear black in poor light. Key field marks include a shaggy crest and neck feathers, dull olive-green legs, a grayish, slig...
Found primarily in humid lowland forests, swamps, marshes, and along the edges of rivers and streams, often within dense vegetation and typically below 500 meters in elevation.
Primarily carnivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates such as beetles, crickets, earthworms, and snails, supplemented by small amphibians and reptiles, all obtained by probing soft ground or gleaning from vegetation.
Green Ibises are generally diurnal, often observed solitarily or in small, loose groups of two to five individuals, making them more reclusive than many other ibis species. They typically forage by slowly walking through shallow water or damp forest floor, probing the soft substrate with their lo...
The Green Ibis is a resident species found throughout the humid Neotropical lowlands of Central and South America. Its range extends from southeastern Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama southwards. In South America, it is distributed across Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French G...
Least Concern
- The Green Ibis is the sole member of its genus, Mesembrinibis, highlighting its evolutionary distinctiveness among ibises. - Unlike most ibis species that prefer open wetlands, the Green Ibis is a true forest specialist, often found deep within humid lowland forests. - Its dark, iridescent gree...