Bare-Faced Ibis

Phimosus infuscatus

Also known as: Whispering Ibis

About This Species

Look for it wading through shallow marshes, flooded fields and pond edges in South America, probing mud with its long down-curved bill for insects, worms and small aquatic prey. Its dark, glossy plumage contrasts with a pale bare face and legs, and it is often seen foraging in small groups alongside other waterbirds. It can be found year-round in suitable wetlands, with numbers often higher after seasonal rains flood additional foraging habitat.

Ethical Viewing Guidelines

Approach wetland edges slowly and stay back far enough that foraging or roosting birds do not take flight, since repeated flushing forces the flock to abandon productive feeding sites.
Wetland bird protections vary across the South American countries where it occurs, so travelers should check local regulations rather than assume uniform rules.
In general, viewing from a fixed position with binoculars rather than walking directly into a marsh causes far less disturbance.

LCAvesPelecaniformesThreskiornithidae

Seasonal Activity

307,578 sightings · 2000–2026

Citizen science records via GBIF

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Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Threskiornithidae

Photo

CC-BY-NC-4.0

Occurrence data from GBIF.