The Scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber) is most noted for its vibrant scarlet colour, which it derives from carotene found in its diet of shrimp and other crustaceans. It hails from Central and South America and is the national bird of Trinidad & Tobago. Solid scarlet except for black wing tips; bill is long, thin and curved downward; neck is long and slender; legs are also long and thin with partially webbed feet; juveniles are dull, greyish brown. The scarlet ibis is a gregarious bird, living, traveling, and breeding in flocks. In flight, ibises form diagonal lines or v-formations. This formation decreases wind resistance for trailing birds. When the leader of the pack tires, it falls to the back of the formation and another ibis takes its place at the front. Ibises are an ancient species with fossil records going back 60 million years.
