viibis

Viibis is a genus of wading birds in the family Threskiornithidae. It contains a single described species, Viibis longipes, the long-footed viibis. Adults are medium-sized ibises with a slender bill and long legs for foraging in shallow water. They measure about 50–60 cm in length; plumage is olive-brown above and paler below; facial skin is blue-gray and the iris amber.

Viibis longipes occurs in subtropical wetlands along river deltas and coastal marshes, favoring shallow waters with emergent vegetation.

Foraging is slow and probing; the diet includes invertebrates and small fish. They are gregarious outside the breeding season, forming small to medium flocks. Breeding occurs in the wet season; nests are placed in reeds; clutch size is 2–3; incubation takes about 24–28 days; both adults care for the young.

The genus name Viibis is a constructed form echoing resemblance to ibises. The specific epithet longipes refers to the long legs characteristic of the species.

Conservation: Habitat loss and pollution threaten populations; a formal IUCN assessment for this species is not provided here, but degradation of wetlands is a common risk in its range.