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.