White Ibis adult in nonbreeding plumage, Fort De Soto County Park, Pinellas County, FloridaWhite Ibis adult in nonbreeding plumage – Nikon D200, handheld, f9, 1/400, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 340mm, natural light

There isn’t much of a change between the plumage in breeding and nonbreeding White Ibis, primarily the differences are in the legs, bill and lores. The bill, legs and lores of a nonbreeding White Ibis is a salmon color. In some light they almost look a bubble gum pink.

White Ibis adult in breeding plumage walking along the shore, Fort De Soto County Park, Pinellas County, FloridaWhite Ibis adult in breeding plumage – Nikon D200, handheld, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 250, Nikkor 80-400mm VR at 145mm, natural light

In breeding plumage the legs, lores and bill become a bright red or geranium color and the lower part of the bill becomes dark which can extend two thirds of the way up the bill.

The feathers remain white and the eyes remain sky blue regardless of the plumage phase the adult White Ibis are in.

Both of these White Ibis were photographed at Fort De Soto County Park as they foraged in the Gulf of Mexico, the ibis in breeding plumage was photographed in early April and the nonbreeding ibis was photographed in mid June.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my White Ibis photos plus facts and information about this species.