The white-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi) is a fascinating wading bird found across parts of North America. With its distinctive white facial patch and long, downcurved bill, the white-faced ibis stands out wherever it is found hunting for food. But where exactly can one find these elegant birds? In this article, we will explore the range and habitat of the white-faced ibis, as well as some of the best places to observe them in the wild. Whether you are a birdwatcher looking to add them to your life list or simply curious about their whereabouts, read on to discover where you can find white-faced ibis.
Range and Habitat of the White-Faced Ibis
The white-faced ibis has a very large range across much of North America. Their breeding range centers on the prairie states and provinces, including southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba in Canada south through Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and west to California, Nevada, Utah, and Idaho. They also breed in isolated pockets in the southeastern United States. During the nonbreeding season, white-faced ibis disperse further south throughout Mexico and down into Central and parts of South America.
Within their expansive range, white-faced ibis occur in a variety of wetland habitats, especially shallow marshes, wet meadows, and the moist grasslands surrounding ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams. They forage in very shallow water or saturated mudflats, using their specialized beaks to probe for food. The construction of artificial wetlands, wastewater treatment plants, and agricultural habitats like rice paddies has also benefited the white-faced ibis by providing additional viable habitat.
Best Places to See White-Faced Ibis
Here are some of the top locations in North America to spot white-faced ibis:
Cheyenne Bottoms, Kansas
This large marsh in central Kansas provides critical habitat for white-faced ibis and numerous other wetland birds. Huge numbers of ibis nest here each summer, especially in years with plentiful rainfall. Even during migration, hundreds of ibis stop to rest and forage at Cheyenne Bottoms. The wetlands area features several viewing platforms and walking trails that offer great opportunities to see white-faced ibis up close.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Utah
Located on the northeastern shores of the Great Salt Lake, this wetland refuge attracts impressive concentrations of white-faced ibis annually. They forage in the shallow marshes and flooded agricultural fields of the refuge. Late spring and early summer are the best viewing seasons. A 12-mile driving loop through the refuge provides access to the birds.
Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Florida
In the winter and during migration, white-faced ibis wander into the southern United States, including central and southern Florida. The wet prairie of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a reliable place to find the striking birds from November to March. A 2.5 mile boardwalk trail takes visitors through prime ibis habitat.
Salton Sea, California
This inland saline lake in southern California is an important stopover site for white-faced ibis during migration. Hundreds congregate along the lush shoreline and wetlands around the lake in spring and fall. The best viewing access is along the southern end of the sea at wildlife refuges like Wister Unit, Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, and Red Hill Marina.
Rice Fields, Sacramento Valley, California
The rice paddies of California’s Central Valley provide ideal surrogate wetland habitat for white-faced ibis outside of the breeding season. Tens of thousands may gather in places like the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge complex. Try locations like the Colusa National Wildlife Refuge or Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge to spot foraging ibis from late summer through winter.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
In the Rio Grande valley of central New Mexico, this refuge supports massive congregations of sandhill cranes, snow geese, and ducks during winter. White-faced ibis join the fray by the thousands, feasting in the corn fields and wetlands. Prime viewing is from the 10-mile wildlife drive loop.
When to See White-Faced Ibis
The best timing for finding white-faced ibis depends on whether you are targeting breeding or nonbreeding birds.
Breeding Season
To see nesting white-faced ibis, plan a trip during their breeding season, which spans from late April through July across the northern prairies and Great Basin. Some key spots like Cheyenne Bottoms host ibis from March through August. Visiting breeding sites in May and June optimizes chances to see courtship displays and active nests.
Migration & Winter
During the nonbreeding season, focus your search for white-faced ibis at migration stopover sites and wintering habitats, mostly across the southern U.S. and Mexico. Peak migration occurs in April and May in the spring and September and October in the fall. Winter months from November to February are also a great time to find them in southern hotspots like the Salton Sea and Sacramento Valley.
How to Find White-Faced Ibis
When searching for white-faced ibis, keep the following tips in mind:
- Scan shallow open wetlands, marshes, flooded fields, and muddy shorelines.
- Listen for noisy flocks – ibis are vocal birds.
- Follow other wading birds like egrets to feeding sites.
- Use a spotting scope or binoculars to detect white facial patches.
- Check aerators or wet fields at wildlife refuges.
- Be patient – flocks may fly around a bit before landing.
Conclusion
With a range spanning over 3,000 miles from Canada to Colombia, the elegant white-faced ibis can be found at wetlands across much of North America during certain times of the year. By targeting known hotspots, particularly wildlife refuges in the Great Plains and West during the summer breeding season or southern wintering sites, observers have an excellent chance of encountering these striking wading birds. Any sighting of a white-faced ibis decked out in its unique red eyes, pink legs, white wings, and namesake white facial patch is sure to be a treat.