Family: ThreskiornithidaeHabitat: Found in lagoons, marshes, swamps, and shallow bodies of water, including lakes and flooded fields (A.O.U. 1998).
Distribution: Breeding range includes Florida, and extends along the Gulf coast from Alabama to Louisiana, and also along the Atlantic coast north to Maine. Generally winters in Florida and along the Gulf coast to Louisiana (A.O.U. 1998).
Field Marks: In breeding plumage, overall chestnut color is glossed with dark green or purple. Breeding birds are told from White-faced Ibis most readily by lack of white border to the base of bill which extends behind eye; also, note grayish lores and legs, and compare eye color and bill color. Immatures and non-breeding season adults are difficult to separate from White-faced Ibis.
Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies, usually in association with other herons. Nest is placed on the ground or up to 10 feet high in tree or shrub over water; and consists of a platform of sticks that is occasionally lined with leaves.
Eggs: 1-5, usually 2-4; 52 millimeter; bluish-green in color.
Incubation: Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation usually lasts about 21 days, and young are able to fly when they are approximately 28 days old.
