Buff-necked Ibis
Theristicus caudatus
Bandurria Aliblanca
Song
Buff-necked Ibis
The Buff-necked Ibis (Theristicus caudatus), also known as the White-throated Ibis or Andean Ibis, is a striking bird species.
Appearance: The Buff-necked Ibis is a large bird with distinct features. It has a buff-colored neck, white throat, and upper breast, contrasting with dark brown plumage on the rest of its body. It has a long, curved bill, and its legs are relatively short. During the breeding season, the male and female may exhibit subtle differences in plumage or coloration.
Habitat: The Buff-necked Ibis is typically found in open grasslands, savannas, agricultural areas, and wetlands at elevations ranging from lowlands to high altitudes in the Andes. It prefers habitats with a mix of open spaces for foraging and nearby trees for nesting.
Behavior: The Buff-necked Ibis is often seen foraging on the ground, probing the soil with its long bill in search of insects, small vertebrates, and other invertebrates. It may also feed on seeds, fruits, and carrion. These birds are usually seen in small groups or pairs and may form larger flocks outside of the breeding season.
Breeding: Breeding in the Buff-necked Ibis generally occurs during the rainy season. They build stick nests in trees or tall shrubs, laying a clutch of eggs that both parents incubate. The chicks are cared for by both parents and fledge after a few weeks.
Conservation Status: The Buff-necked Ibis is considered relatively common in suitable habitats. It is currently categorized as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Distribution
The Buff-necked Ibis (Theristicus caudatus)
Eastern Andes: The Buff-necked Ibis is often found in the eastern range of the Andes Mountains in Colombia. This region includes areas such as the departments of Boyacá, Cundinamarca, and Santander, where the ibis can be spotted in grasslands, pastures, and agricultural lands.
Central Andes: In the central part of the Andes range, including the departments of Antioquia, Caldas, and Risaralda, the Buff-necked Ibis can be observed in suitable habitats such as wetlands, grassy areas, and farmlands.
Llanos Orientales: The Buff-necked Ibis is also present in the Llanos Orientales (Eastern Plains) of Colombia, which includes regions such as Meta, Arauca, and Casanare. These vast grasslands and wetlands provide important habitat for the ibis.
Orinoquía Region: The Buff-necked Ibis can be found in the Orinoquía region of Colombia, which encompasses parts of the departments of Vichada, Guaviare, and Meta. Wetlands, rivers, and grassy plains within this region support populations of the Buff-necked Ibis.
Northern Colombia: Some sightings of the Buff-necked Ibis have been recorded in northern regions of Colombia, including areas bordering Venezuela, such as Norte de Santander and La Guajira, where suitable habitats exist for these birds.
Taxonomy
The Buff-necked Ibis Theristicus caudatus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Threskiornithidae
- Genus: Theristicus
- Species: Theristicus caudatus
Vocalization
The Buff-necked Ibis (Theristicus caudatus)
- Calls: The Buff-necked Ibis is a social bird that communicates through a variety of calls. Its vocal repertoire includes a range of sounds that vary in pitch, duration, and intensity. These calls serve different purposes, such as maintaining contact with other group members, signaling alarm, expressing aggression, or during courtship.
- Contact Calls: Buff-necked Ibises often use contact calls to stay in touch with other members of their group or to communicate while foraging or flying together. These calls are typically short, sharp, and repeated at regular intervals to maintain group cohesion and coordination.
- Alarm Calls: When Buff-necked Ibises perceive a threat or danger, they may emit loud, harsh alarm calls to warn others in the group. These alarm calls are important for alerting group members to potential predators or disturbances in their environment.
- Courtship Calls: During the breeding season, Buff-necked Ibises engage in courtship displays that involve vocalizations as well. Courtship calls are often more melodious and can be part of elaborate courtship rituals between mated pairs, helping to reinforce the bond between breeding partners.
- Territorial Calls: Buff-necked Ibises may use vocalizations to establish and defend their territories against intruders or rival individuals. These territorial calls can be aggressive and serve to deter potential threats or competitors from encroaching on their established areas.
