White-faced Ibis – Reflections of the Natural World

One Moment in Nature is a reflection back in time to a moment of discovery as I explored the natural settings around me. Through the sharing of this moment, is my hope that readers will become motivated to learn more about our environment and its inhabitants, and become passionate advocates for conservation. One Moment in Nature is a Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain

THE WHITE-FACED IBIS MOMENT – White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) has become more of a common sighting overthe past 20 years as the San Joaquin River NWR has developed more extensive and healthy freshwater wetlands. With limited access to their nesting colony at White Lake on the refuge, birders generally see them in flocks as they go back and forth to feeding spots away from the refuge. On this particular morning at the Ceres Water Reclamation Facility, after signing in, I was greated by one of the workers who was excited to tell me about the flock of small, crane-like dark birds with long down-curved bills he had been seeing there lately. Realizing immeditely that his reference was about White-faced Ibis I was excited to see if they were still there and if they would pose for me. As indeed I was fortunate that they were still there and weren’t bothered in the least by my presence. Their body feathers were smartly colored with fresh feathers, but their facial colors weren’t showing the bright white that they’re famously named for.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION – In alternate (breeding) plumage, the White-faced Ibis displays rich maroon tones on the head and neck, a bold white border encircling the face, and shimmering bronze-green body feathers that catch the light with iridescent brilliance. Its long, decurved bill and reddish legs add to its striking appearance in wetland colonies.

In basic (non-breeding) plumage, the ibis becomes more subdued, with a brownish overall tone, duller iridescence, and the white facial border largely absent, giving it a more uniform and cryptic look. Despite seasonal changes, its slender build and graceful posture remain distinctive year-round.

WHAT’S IN A NAME – Plegadis from Greek plēgas = sickle; chihi = French onomatopoeia “Chihi” given to the White-faced Ibis by Vieillot 1817

DISTRIBUTION AND STATUS IN CALIFORNIA’S CENTRAL VALLEY – The White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) is widespread and locally abundant in California’s Central Valley, especially during the breeding season, favoring flooded fields, managed wetlands, and rice paddies throughout the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. It is commonly seen in flocks probing soft mud for invertebrates, and nests colonially in dense emergent vegetation such as tules and cattails. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population overall, though its reliance on wetland habitats makes it vulnerable to changes in water availability and land use. Natural history observations highlight its iridescent plumage, long decurved bill, and seasonal movements, with breeding peaking in late spring and post-breeding dispersal extending into early fall.

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