The scarlet ibis is built exactly like the american white ibis but its plumage is a brilliant scarlet color.
Scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber), Toronto Zoo.
There is some disagreement if these two ibises are of two different species or really just one. Since the coloration of the scarlet ibis is due to carotinoids ingested in its diet the real deciding factor is if the two different colors interbreed or not. As it turns out they do, so perhaps the two different species names are not warranted.
Scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber), Szeged Zoo.
In any case the scarlet ibis is a nicely colored bird that is delightful to look at.
Further Readings:
Scarlet ibis on Wikipedia.
Scarlet Ibis on the Toronto Zoo website.
Scarlet Ibis on National Aquarium.
The Rare and Brilliantly Colored Scarlet Ibis of Florida.
Scarlet Ibis on the Toronto Zoo website.
Scarlet Ibis on National Aquarium.
The Rare and Brilliantly Colored Scarlet Ibis of Florida.
Last updated: June 11, 2015