April 9, 2017 - Sanibel - White Ibis

White Ibis are very common and easily seen on Sanibel Island, Florida. This one was wading in a pond at the Bailey Tract. The long, decurved, reddish-pink bill is distinctive, as are the beautiful blue eyes. It looks like White Ibis have all-white feathers but take a look at the next photo.

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When a white Ibis unfolds its wings, as in this flight shot, it reveals the black wing tips that are otherwise hidden. Black feathers are stiffer and stronger than white ones so the black tips help protect the bird’s feathers from wear. This photo was taken at Ding Darling NWR.

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When flying, a White Ibis keeps its neck straight out in front of it. This gives the bird a hump-backed look. It is a medium-sized wading bird, about 25 inches long. This photo was also taken at Ding Darling NWR.

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White Ibis also forage in the sand along the Gulf Coast side of Sanibel Island. The face, bill, and legs of this bird look much redder than those in the previous photos. That indicates it’s already in breeding plumage.

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This flight shot was also taken along the Gulf Coast side of the island.

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This is a juvenile White Ibis seen at Ding Darling NWR. In its first year, it has mostly brown feathers. During its second year, the feathers gradually change over to the all-white plumage of an adult. This bird’s back feathers have already changed to white and there are a few white feathers showing up in its wing.

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Here’s a juvenile White Ibis landing at Ding Darling NWR.

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This is an interesting landing photo. This bird looks like it’s emerging from a cocoon.

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