Scarlet Ibises

Description

The birds get their vibrant color from a diet that is heavy in shrimp, small crabs and other shellfish. Scarlet ibises are native to South America, where flocks forage in shallow water on mudflats, wetlands and estuaries and roost high in trees. Young birds take about 18 months to grow their full red feathers. The species is not considered threatened, though some local populations are at risk from capture for the pet trade, habitat loss and hunting for their feathers.