Bird of the Month July 2022: White-faced Ibis

Photo by Teri Ligon.

Our bird of the month for July 2022 is the White-faced Ibis (Plegadis Chihi). Ibises are
members of the Threskiornithidae family which include many species of large wading
birds. White-faced Ibises are commonly found in wetlands and marshlands through out
the west and Northern Nevada during the Spring and Summer months. They are relatively
easy to find and observe as they are active during the day busily foraging for food in
marshes, ponds and meadows.

​They can often be found at Rancho San Rafael Park in the
spring and the Damonte wetlands in summer. While at first glance, they can appear to be
drab brown in color, when the sunlight hits them just right their feathers are a beautiful
iridescent with subtle shades of muted greens, browns and violets. Breeding plumage
includes for both sexes, the white markings around their chin and eyes giving them the
distinctive look that gives them their name.

For more information about the White-faced Ibis, visit the Audubon Field Guide below.

White-faced Ibis on Audubon.org