Puna Ibis

The puna ibis is a medium-sized waterbird, weighing 478–608 g (16.9–21.4 oz) and about 56–61 cm (22–24 in) tall. They can be identified by their dark purple-brown bodies, long neck, and red downward-curved bill. Their plumage has iridescence to it, offering a purple or green sheen. While there is little sexual dimorphism between male and females, a breeding adult can be recognized by its dark chestnut head and neck, with a red face and, and nonbreeding or immature individuals have white streaks on their head and neck, with a duller face. Males are also larger than females. This species lives in wetlands such as marshes, lagoons, and shallow lakes across the high Andes. This species mainly feeds on invertebrates, but may also snack on amphibians and small fish when possible. It captures its prey by probing through the water or mud with its long beak. They breeds in mixed colonies with other water birds. Nests are built within tall vegetation, hidden from predators. The species is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. However, exact population numbers are unknown, and they may be facing threats such as habitat degradation.

Puna ibis are found in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Northern Chile, and Northeastern Argentina. The core population resides in Peru and Bolivia. Puna ibis is a characteristic species of the high Andean region. They occur from sea level to 5,000 metres (16,400 ft) in elevation, however the greatest concentration in the high Andes are between 3,000 and 4,500 metres (9,840 and 14,760 ft) as well as a significant amount between sea level and 500 m (1,640 ft) along the coast. They occupy both altitudinal and coastal wetlands such as swamps, marshes, lagoons, river banks, and flooded grasslands. They've also been sighted in artificial habitats like irrigation canals, flooded agricultural lands, and plants of abandoned waste water treatment facilities. Recently, there has been a range expansion of the puna ibis, with populations moving northward, and towards the coast. This range expansion could be attributed to the habitat degradation in the high Andes. The data on population size of the puna ibis is poor. The population in the Lake Junín area of Peru was previously estimated at 8,000 by Hancock et al., meaning the total population would be around 10,000. This estimate is thought to be lower with population decline. Another estimate placed the population at 10,000–15,000. These estimates are highly uncertain. IUCN Redlist has the population size listed at 5,000–20,000.

The puna ibis is a highly social bird. They form flocks of hundreds of individuals and exhibit cooperation behaviour such as shared nesting sites and protecting each other young. They are dinural, spending most of their time foraging in shallow waters, using their bill to probe around for food. When feeding they often sport a curved back, with some feathers raised, and flutter around in small groups a few meters above the ground. Ibis within the plegadis genus are also known to participate in sunbathing or sunning. A comfort behaviour in which the bird deliberately positions itself in the sun and adopts a unique posture. This behaviour is often preceded or followed by preening.

Vocalizations. Usually quite quiet, when disturbed puna ibis vocalize with a call that sounds like a "wut" or "cwurk". Juveniles are known to give a whispering call. The glossy ibis, plegadis falcinellus, vocalize when greeting their mates during nest relief, as well as when chicks are food-begging. Since both birds are in the same genus, it can be assumed that the puna ibis also vocalizes for those reasons as well.

Diet. Puna ibis use their long bill to probe into the water of mud often on the edges of denser vegetation to feed. Their diet includes invertebrates, however they may also consume amphibians and small fish if the opportunity presents itself.

Reproduction. …