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Scarlet ibis
'Scarlet ibises live in large groups; such a group is called a colony.'
Discover in real lifeFood
small aquatic animals
Lifetime
33 years on average
Weight
770 to 900 grams
Number of eggs
1 to 2 eggs
Incubation time
approximately 20 days
IUCN Status
safe
EEP?
no
The redder, the better!
The bright red colour of the scarlet ibis comes from the red pigments found in its food. In the wild, the scarlet ibis eats crustaceans and prawns. The red pigment found in these creatures is called carotenoids. This pigment is retained in the scarlet ibis’s feathers. If a scarlet ibis is ill, the pigment is not retained as well in its feathers. A male with a bright red colour is healthy and is therefore attractive to females.
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Theme area: Details Matter
You’ll encounter the scarlet ibis in the ‘Details Matter’ themed area. Here, you can see things that aren’t immediately obvious: patterns, adaptations and clever forms of camouflage or deterrence.