Birds
Black-faced Ibis
Theristicus melanopis · also called Andean ibis
Marked by a patch of bare black skin across its face, a black-faced ibis probes dry grassland from high Andean plateaus down to lowland Patagonian pasture, sharing its curved-bill foraging style with its close relative the buff-necked ibis.
Overview
The black-faced ibis, Theristicus melanopis, is a Least Concern bird native to grassland and mountain habitat across a wide range of South America, from the high Andes to Patagonia. Its distinctive black facial patch, unusually broad elevational range, and dry-grassland foraging habit make it one of the more ecologically adaptable ibis species found anywhere on the continent.
An ibis at home at every elevation
Spanning everything from thin Andean mountain air to lowland Patagonian farmland, the black-faced ibis has proven remarkably adaptable across elevation, probing the same dry soil for worms and insects whether it is standing thousands of metres up or barely above sea level.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable grassland and mountain habitat throughout its South American range.
Black-faced Ibis: common questions
Why is it called the black-faced ibis?
This species has a distinctive patch of bare black skin on its face, a feature that gives the species its common name and separates it from its closely related buff-necked ibis.
How does the black-faced ibis compare in range with the buff-necked ibis?
This species is found across a broad elevational range, from high Andean grassland down to lowland Patagonian pasture, overlapping with but extending higher than its close relative.
Does the black-faced ibis wade through water to feed?
No, this species forages mainly across open, dry grassland rather than wading through deep water like many other ibis species, probing soil instead for worms and insects.
Does the black-faced ibis form flocks?
Yes, this species is frequently seen foraging in small flocks across open ground, particularly outside the breeding season.