Quick answer
An ibis can reach about A strong, steady flier in short bursts. Terrain, motivation, and body condition (1–1.5 kg (2.2–3.3 lb)) all change the number you would measure.
Key takeaway
An ibis can reach about A strong, steady flier in short bursts. Terrain, motivation, and body condition (1–1.5 kg (2.2–3.3 lb)) all change the number you would measure.
Ibis top speed
Published estimates put ibis speed near A strong, steady flier. These are usually peak sprint figures, not cruising speeds held for long distances across Wetlands, marshes, rivers, and floodplains.
Sprint versus endurance
Most animals accelerate hard for capture or escape, then recover. Open ground favours higher recorded speeds; dense cover favours agility over raw pace.
Anatomy behind ibis speed
Limb proportions, muscle fibre mix, and mass (1–1.5 kg (2.2–3.3 lb)) shape acceleration and top end. Heavier individuals may hit hard but tire sooner.
Reading speed claims
Methods differ (radar, filming, anecdote). Prefer ranges from recent field studies over viral single numbers, and never try to outrun wildlife.
Habitat and status
Ibises live around wetlands, floodplains, farmland, and even city parks, adapting well to landscapes shaped by people. Most species are common, and the sacred ibis is listed as Least Concern, though wetland drainage threatens some of their rarer relatives.
The probing bill
An ibis is built for wetlands. Its long, slender, down-curved bill works like forceps, probing soft mud, shallow water, and grass for insects, worms, frogs, and small fish that it locates largely by touch. This lets ibises feed in murky water where sight-hunting birds struggle.
Sources
Ibis FAQs
How fast is an ibis?
An ibis can reach about A strong, steady flier in short bursts. Terrain, motivation, and body condition (1–1.5 kg (2.2–3.3 lb)) all change the number you would measure.
What is the scientific name of the ibis?
Threskiornis aethiopicus — used in research and conservation listings for ibiss.
What do ibiss eat?
Ibiss eat insects, frogs and small animals, with seasonal and regional variation in Wetlands, marshes, rivers, and floodplains.
Where do ibiss live?
They are associated with Wetlands, marshes, rivers, and floodplains. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of ibiss?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.