Northern Bald Ibis
(Geronticus eremita)
As typical for Ibis birds, the Northern Bald Ibis has a long, under-curved beak. They are characterized by their black plumage, iridescent green, and bald red head, with individual black markings. Their face is framed by long crested feathers, which the birds spread out when excited, and can then serve as a mood indicator as well. Young birds can be easily distinguished by the lack of a tuft on their grey, feathered head. In addition, the sheen of their feathers only begins to develop when they reach sexual maturity. The ibises’ red beak and strong red legs provide a clear contrast to their dark plumage. Male and female show no distinct sex differences, therefore there is no sexual dimorphism.