Taxonomy
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Birds
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Threskiornithidae
Genre: Pseudibis
Species: Pseudibis papillosa
Conservation Status of the Species in Portugal and Worldwide
Portugal
World
Features and
Habits
In terms of size, it has a length of 55 to 65 cm and a wingspan of 80 to 95 cm. Regarding its characteristics, its most notable aspects are its curved beak, as well as its almost exotic colors: reddish on the body during the breeding season, dark brown outside the breeding season, and greenish on the upper part of the wings. During flight, both the neck and legs are extended, unlike herons and similar to the spoonbill.
It feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks; however, it can also eat small fish and amphibians. Its long beak is used to search for prey in mud and shallow water. In terms of nesting, they build nests in secluded locations with dense vegetation. These nests are composed of branches and aquatic vegetation and are located in shrubs or low trees. They lay 3 to 4 eggs, which are incubated for about 23 days.
Habitat and Distribution
It is a common resident bird, present throughout the year in the Aveiro region, the Mondego and Tagus estuaries, and the Alentejo region, and a wintering bird, being present only in winter in some regions, mainly on the northern coast of the country and Peniche. Its habitat is mainly wetlands near coastal areas, however it can also appear inland, although in smaller numbers. Nesting is rare in Portugal, however there are some records in the Tagus River.
Places where I have photographed this species so far.
All Photographs Taken
