The Elegant Ibis

Known for its downward-curving, thin bill and affinity for water and coastal regions, the Ibis is actually a common name used for a number of birds in the family Threskiornithidae. These long-legged birds are waders, preferring to inhabit wetlands where they stand in the sun and use their narrow, straw-like beaks to prod the mud beneath the shallow water for crustaceans.

American_White_IbisII

A common sight in Florida, the American White Ibis makes up a large portion of the coastal birds  found in and around the state. These birds function in large colonies, and can often be seen flying and perching in trees or wading in ponds in groups of 20-30 individuals.