Buff-necked Ibis
Theristicus caudatus
The Buff-necked Ibis (Theristicus caudatus) is a uncommon ibises and spoonbill found in 10 countries, weighing about 1.7 kg. The buff-necked ibis, also known as the white-throated ibis, is a fairly large ibis found widely in open habitats of eastern and northern South America.
About the Buff-necked Ibis
The buff-necked ibis, also known as the white-throated ibis, is a fairly large ibis found widely in open habitats of eastern and northern South America. It formerly included the similar black-faced ibis as a subspecies, but that species is almost entirely restricted to colder parts of South America, has a buff lower chest, and lacks the contrasting large white wing-patches.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
It has a total length of approximately 75 centimetres (30 in). The neck is buffish, the upperparts are grey, the belly and flight feathers are black, and there is a large white patch in the wings. In flight, where the relatively short legs do not extend beyond the tail (unlike e.g. Eudocimus and Plegadis), the white patch forms a broad white band on the upperwing that separates the black remiges and the grey lesser wing-coverts. The bill and bare skin around the eyes are blackish and the legs are red.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in French Guiana, Peru.
When to see it
The Buff-necked Ibis can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Buff-necked Ibis?
- It has a total length of approximately 75 centimetres (30 in). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Buff-necked Ibis?
- The Buff-necked Ibis is a huge sized bird weighing about 1.7 kg.
- Where can you see a Buff-necked Ibis?
- The Buff-necked Ibis occurs in 10 countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Bolivia and Uruguay.
- What birds look similar to a Buff-necked Ibis?
- The Buff-necked Ibis is most easily confused with the Black-faced Ibis and the Plumbeous Ibis.
- Is the Buff-necked Ibis endangered?
- The Buff-necked Ibis is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
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