Ibis ID help - Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico (1 Viewer)

martin.m

Member

• Jul 10, 2020

• #1

Dear all, just joined the forum and thought I might ask for help regarding my old photo of ibis I just stumbled upon and find it a bit puzzling. It is from Villahermosa, Mexico (19 August 2018):

There was this all-brown, red-billed, red-faced ibis sitting among the White ibises. I was wondering whether it may be a juvenile of the same species, but all pictures I've seen so far show that these should have white belly and some white elsewhere on the body as well. Any ideas what this might be? Many thanks for help!

 

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dwatsonbirder

Well-known member

• Jul 10, 2020

• #2

Welcome to birdforum Martin.
I've limited experience with White ibis, but from what can be seen of the bare parts, the intensity of the colour would suggest an adult rather than immature bird. As you say, it appear concolourous, with the belly also dark.
I wonder if it may be either an melanistic or possibly oiled adult?

 

martin.m

Member

• Jul 10, 2020

• #3

Thanks, Daniel! Good point about the skin colour intensity. It certainly looked just like the other White ibis adults around, in every aspect other than the plumage colour Melanism was also a thing that crossed my mind - sounds feasible now. As does the oil, actually, given that oil spills are a major issue in the area's wetlands. Thanks!

 

Nutcracker

Stop Brexit!

• Jul 10, 2020

• #4

The feathering on the back looks rather matted and in poor condition - I'd go with the oiling suggestion :-C

 

martin.m

Member

• Jul 10, 2020

• #5

Nutcracker said:

I'd go with the oiling suggestion :-C

Click to expand...

Thanks! Poor thing :/

 

birdboybowley

Well-known member.....apparently so ;)

• Jul 10, 2020

• #6

Can't see this as oil.....surely if a white bird is oiled enough to be turned completely black the feathers would be in a dire state - assume the bird flew into the tree it's on?

 

martin.m

Member

• Jul 10, 2020

• #7

birdboybowley said:

Can't see this as oil.....surely if a white bird is oiled enough to be turned completely black the feathers would be in a dire state - assume the bird flew into the tree it's on?

Click to expand...

Fair point. Yes, it was high up the tree, so I suppose it arrived with the others to roost for the night.

 

Nutcracker

Stop Brexit!

• Jul 11, 2020

• #8

I was thinking they do look in a fairly dire state!