Brazil in pictures: scarlet ibis in Alcântara

March 16, 2007 | By Tony More

The scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber) is one of the most beautiful birds that can be found along the Brazilian coastline. A small crab, present on the ibis’ staple diet, is responsible for the strong pigmentation of its plumage. It is not hard to spot scarlet ibis in Alcántara, state of Maranhão. They are always in groups, and are easily scared. A powerful zoom, absolute silence, and quite a lot of patience is needed to photograph them.