Birds
Buff-necked Ibis
Theristicus caudatus · also called buff-necked ibises
Probing dry grassland rather than wading through water, a buff-necked ibis breaks from the typical ibis mould, its long curved bill just as effective at winkling worms and insects from soil as from a muddy wetland edge.
Overview
The buff-necked ibis, Theristicus caudatus, is a Least Concern bird native to grassland and wetland habitat across a wide range of South America, from Patagonia into central regions. Its unusual dry-grassland foraging habit, distinctive buff-coloured neck, and far-carrying call make it one of the more ecologically distinctive ibis species found anywhere on the continent.
An ibis that left the water behind
Where most ibis species stay close to marshes and shallow wetlands, the buff-necked ibis instead spends much of its time on dry, open grassland, proving that a curved probing bill works just as well on solid ground as it does in the mud.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally stable across suitable grassland and wetland habitat throughout its South American range.
Buff-necked Ibis: common questions
Why is the buff-necked ibis unusual among ibis species?
This species forages mainly across open, dry grassland rather than wading through deep water like many other ibis species, an unusual habitat choice within its family.
How can you identify a buff-necked ibis?
This species has a distinctive buff-coloured neck and upper breast, contrasting with grey wings and a dark cap, a combination that gives the species its common name.
What does the buff-necked ibis eat?
This species feeds on earthworms, insects, and other small invertebrates, probed from soil using its long, curved bill as it walks across open grassland.
Does the buff-necked ibis form large flocks?
Not typically, this species is often seen foraging in pairs or small groups across open ground, rather than the large flocks typical of some other ibis species.