White Ibis (Eudocimus albus)
White Ibis are one of the most numerous wading birds in Florida, and common in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, North and South Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Virginia, Mexico, Cuba, and northern South America. Highly sociable at all seasons, they roost and feed in flocks, and nest in large colonies. Gatorland plays host to hundreds of White Ibis who roost in the safety of the trees and bushes throughout the Alligator Breeding Marsh. A medium sized white bird with long, curved red bill, red legs and feet, the White Ibis inhabit salt, brackish, and fresh water marshes, mangroves and rice fields. They may forage in any kind of shallow water, commonly flying to feed in fresh water even in coastal regions. Foraging sites include marshes, lake edges, mudflats, and mangrove lagoons, as well as flooded pastures and grassy fields.
Diet is varied, and includes insects, snails, snakes, frogs, worms, and small fish with crustaceans such as crayfish and crabs being major items. White Ibis forage by walking slowly in shallow water, sweeping their bill from side to side and probing the bottom. They also forage on land, especially in mud or on short grass.