Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size may be moderately small to large, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The population is estimated to number 25,000-100,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2014).
Trend justification
The population was considered to be stable between 1990-2000 (Wetlands International 2014).
Theristicus melanopis is found in southern Argentina and southern and central Chile, with an isolated population in western Peru. It has been characterised as common in southern Chile and Argentina (del Hoyo et al. 1992). In Peru, it is confined to the coast, and was once widespread, but is now almost extirpated (Schulenberg et al. 2007).
Behaviour. The population in coastal Peru is considered resident, while southern populations of Chile and Argentina migrate to pampas in N Argentina. Forages by probing while walking slowly, often in groups of 3-12 birds.
Habitat. Found in open country in meadows, pastures and cultivated fields as well as marshy valleys, arid rangeland, upland bunch-grass heaths and along lake and river margins.
Diet. Insects, worms, frogs, salamanders and occasionally rodents
Breeding Site. Colonial breeder, with Black-crowned Night-heron or cormorants; colonies of 10-30 pairs found in Chile and over 50 pairs at a site in Tierra del Fuego.
Text account compilers
Taylor, J. & Symes, A.
Contributors
Angulo Pratolongo, F.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Black-faced Ibis Theristicus melanopis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-faced-ibis-theristicus-melanopis on 18/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 18/12/2024.