Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae
These medium to large-sized waders are divided into 14 genera, of which 3 are described below. Of the 34 species, 4 are considered critically endangered. Another 3 are endangered. In addition, 2 species are listed as vulnerable and another is near-threatened. Members of this famly are found on every continent, except Antarctica. The majority of species are found in the tropics. The family is split into 28 ibises and 6 spoonbills.



Eudocimus

There are 2 species within this genus.

The unmistakable White Ibis Eudocimus albus is found in the southeastern USA, south through Mexico and the West Indies, to northern South America. This is the most abundant wading bird in Florida, with several colonies numbering thousands of birds. This White Ibis was photographed along the Gulf Coast at Galveston, Texas.






Plegadis

There are 3 species within this genus.

The White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi is a New World species that ranges from the northwestern USA, south through Mexico, to northern South America. A disjunct population is also found in south-central South America. This adult was photographed at Willcox, Arizona.






Platalea

All 6 spoonbills are grouped in this single genus.

The Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja is another New World species found in the southeastern USA, south through Mexico and the West Indies, to northern Argentina and Brazil. When feeding, they swing their slightly opened spatular shaped bills below the surface of water from side to side. When an object comes in contact with the numerous vibration sensors in the tip of the bill, the bill is closed. This bird was photographed at Galveston, Texas.






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