File:Two puna ibis standing near water - DPLA - 521125df009e72eabf9af3c349d8ecb2.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Ciconiiformes; Family: Thresionrnthidae; Genus: Plegadis; Genus species: Plegadis ridgwayi. Animal characteristics: Height: 61 cm; Weight: 1.4 kg; Identification: The body of the puna ibis is dark purple-brown with green highlights. The head and neck are chestnut, and the wings and tail are green. The puna ibis has a long slender curving beak; Habitat: Temperate high altitude zones, marshes, muddy flats; Diet: Carnivore: amphibians, insects, small aquatic animals; Reproduction: Nests are built in tall reeds; Social Structure: Puna ibises fly in flocks and form 'V's' or wavy lines. Often times they form large flocks along shorelines. They feed socially by probing deep into the water and mud to extract prey; Behavior: The puna ibis frequents shores of lagoons and swamps and is rarely found on the coast; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: The puna ibises are distinguished from herons by their curved bill and the fact that they fly with their neck extended.