Plumbeous Ibis

About the Plumbeous Ibis

The plumbeous ibis (Theristicus caerulescens), also formerly called the blue ibis, is a large distinctive ibis species endemic to parts of central South America. The plumbeous ibis has historically undergone frequent reclassification and been placed in various genera such as Molydophanes, Geronticus, Theresticus and Harpiprion. It has also been referred to as Ibis caerulescens and Theresticus (Harpiprion) caerulescens. Nevertheless, this ibis has traditionally been assigned to the monotypic genus Harpiprion, carrying the binomial name Harpiprion caerulescens; on the basis that this species was previously believed to have no close relatives. However, phylogenetic analyses based on both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers have suggested that the plumbeous ibis is closely related to other ibis species in the genus Theresticus such as the buff-necked ibis; given the markedly low genetic distances between the plumbeous ibis and other Theresticus species. Hence, the current placement of the plumbeous ibis in the genus Theresticus appears justified.

This large ibis measures 71–77 cm in length, with a wing length of 397-450mm... Wikipedia →