Puna ibis

Scientific name: Plegadis ridgwayi

IUCN listed as: Least Concern

Learn before you visit!

Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.

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Diet

The Puna Ibis primarily feeds on small aquatic animals such as insects, molluscs, and amphibians. They use their long, curved bills to probe the mud and shallow waters to find food. Their diet helps control the populations of these small creatures and maintain the ecological balance in their wetland habitats. Occasionally, they may also consume small fish and other invertebrates. This varied diet provides them with the necessary nutrients to thrive in their natural environments.

 

Puna Ibises eat small water animals like insects and snails. They use their long, curved bills to find food in mud and shallow water. Sometimes, they also eat small fish. This diet helps them stay healthy.

 

Breeding

Puna Ibises breed in colonies, often choosing nesting sites in tall reeds above the tree line. They construct their nests from dry vegetation and lay about two eggs per clutch. Both parents are involved in incubating the eggs, which hatch after approximately 21-28 days. The chicks are relatively independent shortly after hatching but remain under the protection of their parents until they can fend for themselves. This cooperative breeding behaviour enhances the survival rate of their offspring.

 

These birds lay about two eggs in nests made of dry plants. Both parents keep the eggs warm, and they hatch in 21-28 days. The chicks can take care of themselves quickly but stay with their parents for safety. This helps the chicks survive better.

 

Habitat

The Puna Ibis inhabits the high-altitude wetlands of the central Andes, including areas in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. They prefer poorly drained and marshy areas, streams, and ponds. These wetlands provide essential resources such as food, nesting sites, and protection from predators. Despite their stable population, habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and pollution poses a threat to their habitats. Conservation efforts focus on protecting these critical wetland areas to ensure the species’ survival.

 

Puna Ibises live in high wetlands in the Andes, in countries like Peru and Bolivia. They like marshy areas and ponds. These places give them food and shelter. Protecting these wetlands is important because their homes are being threatened.

 

At the zoo

In zoos, Puna Ibises are housed in enclosures that simulate their natural wetland habitats, complete with shallow water areas for foraging. Their diet is carefully managed to include various invertebrates and specially formulated feeds to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. Zoos play a significant role in educating the public about the importance of wetland conservation and the role of ibises in the ecosystem. Breeding programs in zoos help maintain healthy populations and contribute to genetic diversity. These efforts support the long-term conservation of the species.

 

In zoos, Puna Ibises live in places that look like their natural homes with shallow water to find food. They eat special food that keeps them healthy. Zoos help by breeding these birds and teaching people about them. This keeps their numbers strong and healthy.

 

Behaviour

Puna Ibises are social birds, often seen in flocks, especially during the breeding season. They are diurnal and spend much of their time foraging in shallow waters, using their distinctive bills to search for food. They are known for their vocalisations, which they use to communicate within their flocks. During the breeding season, they exhibit cooperative behaviours such as shared nesting sites and mutual protection of their young. Their social and foraging behaviours are essential for their survival and reproductive success.

These birds are social and live in groups. They search for food during the day using their curved bills. They make sounds to talk to each other. During breeding, they help each other protect the young.

Fun facts

  • Long Toes: They have long toes to help them walk on soft mud without sinking.
  • Curved Bills: Their long, curved bills are perfect for probing mud for food.
  • Social Birds: They often live and forage in flocks.
  • High Altitude Living: They live in the high wetlands of the Andes.
  • Stable Population: They are not currently at risk of extinction.
  • Mud Walkers: Their long toes keep them from sinking in mud.
  • Food Finders: They use their curved bills to find food in the mud.
  • Group Living: They like to live and eat in groups.
  • High Home: They live high up in the Andes mountains.
  • Not Endangered: They have a stable population right now.

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