Family: ThreskiornithidaeHabitat: Found in fresh-water marshes, swamps, lakes, and flooded fields (A.O.U. 1998).
Distribution: Breeding range extends from northern California, eastern Oregon, southern Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota south to Mexico, Texas, and southern Louisiana; generally winters from central California, southwestern Arizona, and coastal areas in Texas and Louisiana south into Mexico and Central America (A.O.U. 1998).
Field Marks: In breeding plumage, overall chestnut color is glossed with dark green or purple. Breeding birds are told from Glossy Ibis most readily by white border to the base of bill which extends behind eye; also, note reddish lores and legs, and compare eye color and bill color. Immatures and non-breeding season adults are difficult to separate from Glossy Ibis.
Nest Habits: Breeds in colonies, usually in association with other herons. Nest is placed in bulrushes or reeds (or up to 6 feet high in shrub or tree), and consists of a cup of dead aquatic vegetation that is lined with grasses.
Eggs: 2-7, usually 3-4; 52 millimeter; greenish-blue in color.
Incubation: Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the young. Incubation usually lasts about 21-22 days, and young are able to fly when they are approximately 28 days old.
