Blue ibis (SciiFii)

The blue ibis (Eudocimus regalis) is a species of ibis that originally did not exist, but has been since created by SciiFii and introduced to the rainforests, wetlands, and coastal areas across the Caribbean Islands to help boost biodiversity, although vagrants in Florida are known. Both sexes have royal blue plumage with gold-colored bills and legs. Male blue ibises are slightly larger than females, and are larger than their closest living relatives, the scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber), with adults of about 59–71 centimetres (23–28 inches) long, and the males, slightly larger than females, typically weigh about 1.6 kilograms (3.5 lb). Their distinctive long, thin bills are used to probe for food in soft mud or under plants. Much of the blue ibises' diet consists of shrimps and insects, including scarabs and ground beetles to name a few. Mating pairs build nests in a simple style, typically "loose platforms of sticks" of a quality sometimes described as "artless". They roost in leaf canopies, mostly preferring the convenient shelter of young waterside mangrove trees. Blue ibises prefer wet, muddy areas such as swamps, but for safety they build their nests in trees well above the water. If they can, they nest on islands, where their eggs and chicks are less likely to be in danger from predators. After a gestation period of five to six days, the female lays a clutch of three to five smooth, matte eggs which typically incubate for 19–23 days. After a successful courtship, pairs remain faithful and cohabitant, sharing parental responsibilities for the young. Though it spends most of its time on foot or wading through water, the bird is a very strong flyer: they are highly migratory and easily capable of long-distance flight. They move as flocks in a classic V formation. The life span of the scarlet ibis is 16 years in the wild and 21 years in captivity. The conservation status of the blue ibis is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the blue ibis's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii