Plumbeous Ibis
Theristicus caerulescens
The Plumbeous Ibis (Theristicus caerulescens) is a uncommon ibises and spoonbill found in 5 countries, weighing about 1.5 kg. The plumbeous ibis, also formerly called the blue ibis, is a large distinctive ibis species endemic to parts of central South America.
About the Plumbeous Ibis
The plumbeous ibis, also formerly called the blue ibis, is a large distinctive ibis species endemic to parts of central South America.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
This large ibis measures 71–77 cm in length, with a wing length of 397-450mm in males and 360-406mm in females. The culmen length is 145-167mm in males, and 126-147mm in females. The sexes are similar in appearance, but the female is slightly smaller. The plumbeous ibis is easily recognisable through a distinctive shaggy crest comprising long grey plumes that extend from the back of head 10 cm down the nape. A prominent, narrow, white feathered band also extends around the forehead, which has earned this species the German common name Stirnbandibis (headband ibis). Voice: The loud vocalisations uttered by this species are diverse. The basic call is a high-pitched, rapid pi-pi-pi-pi which has a somewhat metallic timbre and can be uttered when the bird stands on the ground during daytime. This call has been said to resemble the sound of a banjo with brass strings so big that it could be heard a mile and a half away.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in October. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Plumbeous Ibis?
- This large ibis measures 71–77 cm in length, with a wing length of 397-450mm in males and 360-406mm in females. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Plumbeous Ibis?
- The Plumbeous Ibis is a huge sized bird weighing about 1.5 kg.
- Where can you see a Plumbeous Ibis?
- The Plumbeous Ibis occurs in 5 countries, including Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay.
- What birds look similar to a Plumbeous Ibis?
- The Plumbeous Ibis is most easily confused with the Black-faced Ibis and the Buff-necked Ibis.
- Is the Plumbeous Ibis endangered?
- The Plumbeous Ibis is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Plumbeous Ibis for real
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