Birds · Pelecaniformes · Threskiornithidae

Buff-Necked Ibis

Theristicus caudatus

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The buff-necked ibis is a species of pelecaniform bird of the family Threskiornithidae. In eastern Bolivia it is commonly known as tutachi. In southern Brazil this bird is known as curucaca or curicaca, and in Colombia it is known as cocli in the south-west of the country. It is a large, heavy ibis of several colours.

Weight

1 kg – 1.7 kg

Size

70 cm – 76 cm

Lifespan

20 years

Diet

Insectivore

Feeds mainly on insects and other invertebrates.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

FreshwaterGrasslandInsectivore Diurnal Bird Freshwater Grassland

10countries 33parks8same family

Fun facts

Its metallic, piercing call, given above all in flight and at dawn, is one of the most recognisable sounds of the Argentine, Chilean and Brazilian countryside.
It has benefited from irrigated farming and has expanded its range considerably in recent decades, colonising city parks and golf courses in several South American cities.
Its curved bill lets it probe soft ground several centimetres deep, locating grubs and worms by touch without needing to see them.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Damp grassland, farmland, wetlands and savannah of central and southern South America
Sexual maturity: 3 years
Gestation / incubation: 28 days of incubation
Litter / clutch size: 3 eggs

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theristicus_caudatus