A large wading bird native to the coastal regions of southeastern United States and parts of Central and South America, characterized by its distinctive pure white plumage and long, curved bill.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Coastal wetlands, marshes, swamps, estuaries, and shallow water ecosystems in subtropical and tropical regions, primarily in Florida, Louisiana, and the Caribbean
Ecological Role
Critical wetland ecosystem indicator species, plays significant role in nutrient cycling, seed dispersal, and maintaining ecological balance in coastal environments
Morphology
SKIN COATPure white plumage, juveniles have brownish-gray feathers that transition to white by maturity
LIMBS WINGSLong, slender legs adapted for wading, bright red-orange in color; wings white with black wingtips during flight
HEAD SENSORYLong, curved, bright red-orange bill, adaptated for probing mud and shallow waters for prey; white head with minimal feather variation
BODY STRUCTURELarge wading bird, approximately 56-74 cm in length, wingspan of 90-105 cm, weight range 900-1,500 g
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Bernard Gagnon
