Scarlet Ibis
Eudocimus ruber
Here at Banham Zoo
Sharing a habitat with the little egret, our scarlet ibis are hard to miss with their bright red feathers and long curved beaks. In the wild, they live in coastal swamps, estuaries, and rice fields, travelling and breeding in large flocks.
Did you know? Scarlet ibis can live up to 20 years in the wild and up to 37 years in conservation.
Where Do I Live?
Need to look up
They are found in coastal swamps, estuaries and rice fields. They travel and breed in large flocks.
What Do I Eat?
Their long, curved beak serves as a probe to find worms and crustaceans in mud. Their toes are widespread to give them balance as they wade
How Do I Breed?
They often nest on mangrove islands. The male collects materials for the nest while the female builds it. Eggs are incubated for 21 days and both parents care for their young. Our ibis colony has bred well at the zoo, keep an eye out for young birds, which are grey in colour.
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Least Concern (LC)
Lowest risk of endangerment.
Scarlet ibis are not classed as endangered as they have a large, stable population, found over a large range.
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
Scarlet Ibis
located?
Our
Scarlet Ibis
is located in our
Zoo Central
, map reference
7
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
