Sharp-tailed Ibis

About the Sharp-tailed Ibis

The sharp-tailed ibis (Cercibis oxycerca) is a species of ibis native to open wet savannas in parts of northern South America. The sharp-tailed ibis is monotypic, being the only representative of the genus Cercibis. Much remains unknown about this ibis's evolutionary history; however, phylogenetic analyses based on skull morphology and function suggest that it is closely related to the spoonbills.

This large ibis measures 75–86 cm in length, with males being slightly larger than females. In adult males, the flat wing measures 390–415mm lengthways, and the culmen measures 156–168mm from the base of the bill. In adult females, the wing is 376–413mm long and the culmen 144–197mm.

The species is distinguished by its notably long tail, the longest among all extant ibis species; measuring 250–301mm in males and 256–272mm in females. The tail projects beyond the tips of the folded wings when the ibis stands; and beyond the trailing legs in flight. The plumage is predominantly black with greenish glossing; and with purplish tinges on the upper back, hindneck, wings and tail. The forehead and cheek region are occasionally greyish brown. Juveniles... Wikipedia →