Theristicus is a South American genus of Ibises (wading birds) that occur naturally in open, grassy habitats.
Description
Ibises have long, decurved dark bills and relatively short reddish legs.
They resemble herons and share many of their habitats and behavioural traits, but unlike herons, ibises fly with necks outstretched and often in V-formation.
Species
- Plumbeous Ibis, Theristicus caerulescens.
- Buff-necked Ibis, Theristicus caudatus.
- Black-faced Ibis, Theristicus melanopis.
Diet / Feeding
Ibises mostly feed in shallow waters on aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, and food sifted from the water’s surface.
Their diet also includes insects caught on land, as well as lizards, worms, skinks, and other small reptiles.
Breeding
Most breeding activities are observed after the rainy season when plenty of food is available.
They typically nest in colonies, often with other water birds.
The nests are shallow cup-shaped platforms of sticks, grasses, or reeds that are typically situated on trees near a body of water, such as rivers, swamps, or lakes. Although some ibises also make their nest amongst rocks and on cliffs,
The average clutch consists of 2 – 4 eggs. The nests are often reused year after year.
