White-faced Ibis

Range: North America, South America
Habitat: Marshes, swamps, lagoons, lakes
Conservation Status: Not listed by IUCN
Scientific Name: Plegadis chihi

This is the only ibis that ranges as far as the western United States.  It is a dark, medium-sized marsh bird with a long curved bill, which it uses to probe in the water for a variety of small animals, including crustaceans, insects, fish and amphibians.

The white-faced ibis overlaps with other ibises only in coastal Texas and Louisiana.   It is often mistaken for the Glossy Ibis, another dark-feathered wading bird.  The white-faced ibis, however, has a white border completely surrounding its face, as well as red eyes and red legs. 

The species declined in the 20th century because of pesticide use, but is now making a modest comeback in much of its range.