In panhandle Florida there is a bird species which literally swarms in huge numbers later in the year.
The American white ibis is a native species found from Virginia to the Gulf Coast. It also occurs throughout the Caribbean, on both coasts of Mexico, Central America and as far south as Columbia and Venezuela.
The American white ibis is most common in Florida where over 30,000 birds have been estimated in a single breeding colony. In North America, breeding takes place along the Atlantic coast from the Carolinas south to Florida and in areas contiguous to the Gulf of Mexico.
This time of year the adults have white plumage, a pink featherless face with a down curving bill and long legs which are bright red to orange. The scientific name, Eudocimus albus, includes the Latin adjective for white. Additionally, the mature members of this species have black wingtips visible only when flying.
American white ibises utilize tall cypress trees as a safe roosting site. From this perch they can survey the area for food and threats.
Small aquatic prey, such as immature fish and insects which live in or near watery environments, are the primary diet. Crayfish, amphibians and small snakes will also serve as food, but this bird adjusts its diet according to the territory and prey availability.
The American white ibis is found in a variety of surroundings where food is plentiful. Protected coastal shallows, brackish wetlands and river swamps are common haunts of this avian species.
Isolated muddy pools, flooded fields and even excessively wet lawns can attract the American white ibis for a quick snack check. In summers with heavy rains, they move closer to coastal and estuarine habitats as inland environments may become flooded and the ibises find the water levels too deep to forage effectively.
American white ibis adults are easy to spot with their curved bills and black tipped wings.
Its main foraging behavior is searching with its beak at the bottom of shallow water to probe for and consume its prey. With its bill curved below eye level, it is unable to see the prey.
Males of this species tend to be larger and heavier than the females. The males can weigh up to three pounds and may reach three and a half feet in length. The females are about a third smaller.
During the spring mating season the appearance, but not size, of these birds changes. The skin on their bills darken to a deep pink and their legs become a purplish-red.
Newly hatched American white ibis chicks are cared for by both parents. In stark contrast to their parents, they are covered with violet down which deepens to dark brown or black on the head and wings.
Over the following few weeks the plumage transforms to the grayish brown juvenile feathers. The face and bill become pink soon after.
Once it has left the nest, the juvenile American white ibis has largely brown plumage while the rump and underside are white. The legs become light orange. As it matures, it undergoes a gradual molt to the white adult plumage by the end of its second year.
Much like the weather late in the year, the American white ibis goes through some quick and dramatic changes during its life. There are flurries of white in the forecast, and they can be seen near local rivers and swamps.
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