Known for its eye-popping red plumage, the scarlet ibis is a medium-sized wading bird often found near freshwater and brackish water marshes. Flocks of these birds forage in shallow water and roost atop lofty trees.

Physical Description

Adult scarlet ibises have bright red feathers with black wingtips. Their head, neck, and underparts are pale pink. They have thin, curved bills and long pink legs with webbed feet.

Size

Adults stand 25 inches (63.5 centimeters) tall and have a wingspan of 20-22 inches (52-56 centimeters) wide. They weigh about 2 pounds (0.90 kilograms).

Native Habitat

Scarlet ibis' colonies can be found in a variety of shallow water habitats, including mudflats, wetlands, coastal areas, estuaries and tropical rainforests. They are native to South America, but can occasionally be found in Central America, the Caribbean and southern Florida.

Lifespan

They can live up to 16 years in the wild and 20 years under human care.

Communication

Scarlet ibises are generally quiet, but they are capable of making grunts, honks, and squealing noises. 

Food/Eating Habits

Scarlet ibis are carnivores, feeding on a diet of aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish and reptiles. They use their long, pointed beaks to probe for food in shallow waters and muddy areas. 

Social Structure

Scarlet ibises are social birds that form flocks of 30 or more individuals. A flock of ibises is called a “congregation”. These flocks often coexist with other bird species, forming a mutualistic relationship where each species works together for food, safety and protection. 

Reproduction and Development

Scarlet ibises are polygynous, meaning one male may breed with multiple females. Males engage in courtship displays, such as preening and rocking, to attract potential breeding partners. Breeding pairs will also intertwine their necks during courtship.  

In the Southern Hemisphere breeding typically occurs during mid-September, and the female lays a clutch of 3-5 pale green and brown-streaked eggs in November or December. In the Northern Hemisphere breeding and nesting season runs between June and August. 

Nests are constructed in trees and are incubated by both parents for about three weeks. After the eggs hatch, chicks are cared for by both parents.  

Young scarlet ibises can swim before they can fly. Baby ibises are born with soft, downy black feathers. It takes about 18 months for the feathers to fully develop into their adult red color. Chicks are usually capable of living on their own after about 35 days.   

Conservation Efforts

As a species, scarlet ibis are not considered threatened; however, local populations are at risk due to capture for the pet trade, habitat loss and overhunting for their feathers.

Help this Species

Be a smart consumer! Avoid animal-skin products, even those marked “faux,” to ensure you’re not contributing to the illegal hunting of this species.

Practice ecotourism by being an advocate for the environment when you’re on vacation. During your travels, support, visit or volunteer with organizations that protect wildlife. Shop smart too! Avoid buying products made from animals, which could support poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.

Choose your pets wisely, and do your research before bringing an animal home. Exotic animals don’t always make great pets. Many require special care and live for a long time. Tropical reptiles and small mammals are often traded internationally and may be victims of the illegal pet trade. Never release animals that have been kept as pets into the wild.

Organize or attend a stream, river, lake or other waterway cleanup in your area to preserve aquatic habitats for local species.

Cite this page:
Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. (n.d.). Scarlet ibis. Retrieved August 21, 2026, from https://www.nationalzoo.si.edu/index%2Ephp/animals/scarlet-ibis

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