Size: 0.7-0.9 kg. Length; 55-76 cm. Wingspan; 52-56cm.

Habitat and Distribution: Swamps, mudflats and shallow bays in northern South America from Venezuela through to eastern Brazil.

Age: 16-20 years. The oldest known individual lived to 31 years in captivity.

Groups and Breeding: The Scarlet Ibis has a social breeding system, living in large colonies. Nests are built close to each other with more than one nest per tree. Breeding occurs once a year from September to November when 3-5 eggs are laid. After 19-23 days, the eggs hatch. The young are completely dependent on their parents to care for and feed them. They fledge after 35 days and are fully independent after 75 days.

Diet: Fish, amphibians, insects, crayfish, crabs and other invertebrates.

• The Scarlet Ibis is the national bird of the Caribbean island state of Trinidad and Tobago and is featured on its coat of arms.
• This bird can live in colonies of anything from 20- 2000 nests!
• Feathers and meat of the Scarlet Ibis played an important role in the lives of local Indian communities and still do to a certain extent.
• Like flamingos, Scarlet Ibis get their vibrant colouration from carotenoids contained in the crustaceans they eat. Without these pigments, they will become very pale or even white.
• They feed by probing their long beak into soft mud and sand.