Feeding ecology of white-faced ibises in a Great Basin valley, USA

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Bray, Martin P.; Klebenow, Donald A.

Source:

Colonial Waterbirds, The Waterbird Society, Volume 11, Issue 1, p.24-31 (1988)

Call Number:

A88BRA01IDUS

Keywords:

Plegadis chihi, white-faced Ibis

Abstract:

We studied feeding-site characteristics of agricultural fields selected by White-faced Ibises (Plegadis chihi) at Lahontan Valley, Nevada, USA. Feeding-site characteristics considered were field types, field size, soil types, vegetation height, irrigation, water depth, and proximity to the nesting colony. Ibises had a greater preference for alfalfa fields and less preference for corn, wheat-barley, pastures, and oat fields. Greater preferences were also found for fields that were closer to the colony, larger in size, having clay and clay-loam soils, and irrigated. We found no clear preference for vegetation height or water depth. Irrigation water was present at virtually all (99.9%) feeding-sites. Earthworms, the principal prey item found in 16 White-faced Ibis esophagi, were made available to ibises because of irrigation. We show that irrigated fields are valuable feeding habitat for White-faced Ibises.

Notes:

Reference Code: A88BRA01IDUS

Full Citation: Bray, M. P., and D. A. Klebenow. 1988. Feeding ecology of white-faced ibises in a Great Basin valley, USA. Colonial Waterbirds 11(1): 24-31.

Location: ANIMAL EF: PLEGADIS CHIHI