The sharp-tailed ibis is a species of ibis native to open wet savannas in parts of northern South America.
Region
Northern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Llanos of eastern Colombia and Venezuela across the Guiana Shield into northern Amazonian Brazil, with populations scattered in extensive wet savannas and seasonally flooded grasslands. It favors open, treeless or sparsely wooded plains, often near gallery forests and along oxbow lakes and sluggish rivers. During wet seasons it spreads out over inundated pastures and natural marshes; in drier periods it remains near semi-permanent waterbodies. It avoids dense forest interiors but readily uses forest edges and isolated trees for perching and roosting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The sharp-tailed ibis is a distinctive, dark ibis of open, seasonally flooded savannas in northern South America. It often perches conspicuously in trees, which is unusual for many ibises, and its long, tapering tail gives it a characteristic sharp-ended silhouette in flight. Pairs or small groups forage quietly in shallow wetlands, probing for invertebrates and small vertebrates. It is generally local but can be fairly common where suitable wet grasslands persist.
Sharp-tailed ibis foraging
Temperament
generally quiet, wary, and deliberate
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats; direct, purposeful flight between feeding sites and tree perches
Social Behavior
Often seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups; loose aggregations may form where feeding is good. Nests in trees near water, building a platform of sticks in small colonies or scattered pairs. Courtship involves mutual preening and display flights. Roosting typically occurs communally in tall trees within or at the edge of wetlands.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are mostly low, grating croaks and guttural calls, given at roosts or when alarmed. Generally silent while foraging, with brief harsh notes used to keep contact in small groups.
