Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #72
Belize is home to over 500 species of birds, making it a premier birding destination. Its rich avian diversity, coupled with its lush landscapes and vibrant culture, make it a must-visit destination for birders and nature enthusiasts alike. Using my personal photographs in a blog post format, viewers will learn about the natural history and conservation status of these interesting birds in this beautiful country.
A Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
White Ibis – Eudocimus albus
Gr. eudokimos glorious; L. albus white
About this Species
The White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) is a distinctive wading bird that is commonly found in Belize. Adults have bright white feathers with a pinkish bill and legs, and their wings are tipped with black.
Juvenile birds have mottled brown and white feathers, which gradually molt into adult plumage over the first two years of life.
White Ibises are widely distributed throughout Belize, primarily in wetland habitats such as mangrove swamps, marshes, and lagoons. They are social birds that often gather in flocks of dozens or even hundreds of individuals, especially during the breeding season.
The White Ibis feeds on a variety of prey, including small fish, crabs, and other aquatic invertebrates, which they detect by probing their bills into the mud or shallow water. They also occasionally feed on insects and small reptiles. Despite being common and widespread, the White Ibis faces some threats in Belize, such as habitat loss due to human development and pollution of wetland habitats.
Previous posts from Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog
Reflections of the Natural World 
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