The ibis is a long-legged wading bird found throughout warmer regions of the world. In recent years, ibises have adapted to urban environments and can often be seen foraging in yards and parks. But what exactly are they eating? This article will explore the diet and foraging behavior of ibises that visit backyards and provide tips on how to attract them to your outdoor space.
Quick facts on ibis
Ibises belong to the Threskiornithidae family which includes spoonbills. There are 28 different ibis species found across the tropics and subtropics. The most widespread species in the Americas is the white ibis (Eudocimus albus) which occurs from the United States to Argentina. Other common backyard species include the scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber), glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), and Australian white ibis (Threskiornis molucca).
Ibises have long, downcurved bills that they use to probe mud and sand in search of food. Their diet consists mainly of aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, small fishes, and crustaceans. Ibises are tactile foragers, meaning they locate prey by touch using their bill.
Foraging Behavior
When foraging in yards, ibises exhibit a range of behaviors to find food:
Probing soil and grass
Ibises probe lawns, garden beds, and moist soil with their long bills in search of earthworms, grubs, and other buried invertebrates. They will insert their bill deep into the substrate and feel around for any movement that indicates prey.
Sifting through leaf litter
By twisting their bill from side to side, ibises can sift through dead leaves, mulch, and other litter on the ground. This allows them to grab small invertebrates like beetles, snails, crickets, or spiders that are hiding within the debris.
Capturing terrestrial prey
If they spot movement on the surface, ibises will swiftly snap up terrestrial insects, lizards, frogs, or small snakes. Their reflexes are lightning-fast when catching land-based prey.
Probing water bodies
Ibises use their bills to probe in wetlands, ponds, birdbaths and other water features for aquatic insects, tadpoles, small fish, and crustaceans. They will submerge most of their bill and head underwater when searching murky areas.
Foraging in trees and bushes
Although they mainly feed on the ground, ibises will sometimes perch on branches and probe in tree hollows for insects and spiders. They may also occasionally eat berries or fruits in backyard trees and bushes.
Diet
The diet of ibises varies by species, location, and food availability. However, some key dietary components include:
Earthworms
Earthworms are a preferred prey item for many ibis species. They probe lawns and soft soil seeking out earthworms to extract and swallow.
Insects
Beetles, caterpillars, crickets, grubs, and ants are common insect prey. Ibises will capture both aquatic and terrestrial insects.
Snails and slugs
As garden pests, snails and slugs are eagerly consumed by foraging ibises. They use their bill to extract the soft bodies from shells.
Spiders and centipedes
Ibises consume a wide range of crawling arthropods, including spiders, harvestmen, millipedes, and centipedes. These provide protein.
Frogs and tadpoles
Aquatic amphibians are readily eaten by ibises in backyard ponds and wetlands. They will swallow tadpoles and small frogs whole.
Small fish
Where available, small fish like mosquitofish or minnows may be captured and eaten by ibises. They are able to catch quick-moving fish with their specialized bill shape.
Seeds
In addition to animal prey, some ibis species will consume rice, millet, grass seeds, and other small seeds. Crunchy seeds may help with digestion.
Here is a table summarizing some key prey items in the diet of backyard ibises:
| Prey Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Earthworms | Nightcrawlers, red worms, etc. |
| Insects | Beetles, caterpillars, ants, cicadas |
| Spiders/Centipedes | Wolf spiders, orb weavers, house centipedes |
| Gastropods | Snails, slugs, limpets |
| Amphibians | Frogs, toads, salamanders |
| Fish | Minnows, mosquitofish, killifish |
| Seeds | Millet, rice, grass seeds |
Attracting Ibises to Your Yard
Here are some tips to make your yard more attractive for foraging ibises:
Create wet areas
Install a small backyard pond or birdbath with dripping water. Muddy edges and shallow water will allow ibises to probe for prey. Ensure proper water circulation and cleaning to avoid disease.
Improve soil moisture
Water your lawn and garden beds regularly to keep soil moist. Ibises prefer to probe in damp earth where prey is abundant. You can also add compost to help retain moisture.
Allow leaf litter to accumulate
Leaving leaf litter, sticks, mulch and other natural debris will provide cover for insects and invertebrates that ibises feed on. Just be sure to remove piles before they completely decompose.
Minimize pesticide use
Insecticides reduce prey availability for birds. Limit chemical controls and use organic approaches like horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps instead. Always follow label directions.
Add native plants
Landscape with native grasses, shrubs, and flowering plants. These support more insects as prey and provide supplemental fruits or seeds. Be sure to include wetland plants around water features. Consult a native plant nursery for best selections.
Set up cover and perches
Ibises feel more secure foraging if they have shelter and perches nearby. Add a few shrubs, trees, or set up a small wildlife brush pile. Raised bird baths also allow perching.
Reduce disturbances
Limit loud noises, pets, or excessive activity in foraging areas so birds feel safe. Provide open sight lines so they can watch for potential threats.
With a little effort, you can turn your yard into a more ibis-friendly habitat and enjoy watching these elegant birds probe for prey. Their specialized bills allow them to access a bounty of hidden food sources other backyard birds cannot. Attracting ibises is educational, sustainable, and easy to accomplish using the tips above.
Conclusion
Ibises are opportunistic and adaptable foragers that make use of a variety of prey sources in backyard environments. By probing in soil, leaf litter, mud, and other wet areas, they consume a diverse diet including earthworms, insects, spiders, snails, tadpoles, and small fish. Ibises locate food by feel using their distinctive downcurved bill which they insert into substrates. Creating moist areas, improving soils, and providing perches and shelter are some of the best ways to invite ibises into your yard. Observing their specialized foraging behaviors and range of prey can be an enriching backyard wildlife experience. With a basic understanding of ibis ecology and some simple habitat enhancements, you can entice these elegant waders to visit your outdoor space.
