About Mesembrinibis cayennensis (Gmelin, 1789)
The green ibis (scientific name Mesembrinibis cayennensis (Gmelin, 1789)) is a medium-sized ibis with short legs and a long, slender, decurved bill. It measures 45–60 cm (18–24 in) in length and weighs between 700 and 890 g (1.5 to 2.0 lb). Males and females have identical plumage, and their measurements overlap somewhat, though the largest individuals of the species are male. Breeding adults have glossy greenish-black bodies, pale green legs and bills, and grey bare patches of facial skin. Juveniles have much duller plumage, and can be told apart from the similar glossy ibis by their bulkier build, shorter legs and broader wings. Like other ibises, this species flies with its neck held outstretched. Its flight is heavy, with fewer glides and jerkier wingbeats than its close relatives. Its call is a hollow, hooting sound that accelerates, and is most frequently heard at dawn and dusk. The call has been transcribed as kro kro or koro koro, and is described as "mellow". The green ibis is distributed from Costa Rica south to northern Argentina and Paraguay. There have been documented sightings of the species as far north as Honduras, and fossil records show that this species previously occurred as far north as Kansas in the United States. It inhabits a variety of forested wetland habitats, especially swamps and areas along the edges of rivers and lakes, and can be found at altitudes up to 500 m (1,600 ft).
