• Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article
We Are South Devon
Advertisement
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article
No Result
View All Result
We Are South Devon
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article

Red letter day for scarlet birds at Paignton Zoo

We Are South Devon by We Are South Devon
July 3, 2018
in Community News

One of the most striking birds in the world has bred at Paignton Zoo. The scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber) is famous for its bright red feathers and curling beak.

At this stage, keepers don’t want to disturb the birds, so are leaving them to get on with the parenting. Curator of Birds Jo Gregson: “We don’t know how many eggs or chicks there are at the moment, because we don’t want to go in there, alarm the birds and make them abandon the nests. We’ll find out in time.”

RelatedPosts

£80 million funding delivered to improve and protect bus services

Government sets out path to zero emission vehicles by 2035

Lib Dem candidate calls for new Dartmoor Commons Act

Paignton Zoo has a flock of 15 scarlet ibis. The species comes from South America and the Caribbean; its International Union for the Conservation of Nature status is Least Concern, although some local populations are thought to be declining.

To attract a female, the male will perform a variety of mating rituals such as preening, shaking and head rubbing. Pairs then build platforms in trees using sticks. The female lays a clutch of three to five eggs which incubate for around 19 to 23 days. After a successful courtship, pairs remain together, sharing parental responsibilities for the young.

In the wild they probe soft mud looking for food with their long, thin bills. Shrimp and other red shellfish help produce the birds’ red colouring; Paignton Zoo keepers feed them pellets with the ingredients to maintain their stunning plumage.

This is one of the two national birds of Trinidad and Tobago. Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. For more information go towww.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring 01803 697500.

You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook or Twitter and keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.

Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Contact us

Related Posts

Community News

£80 million funding delivered to improve and protect bus services

September 28, 2023
Community News

Government sets out path to zero emission vehicles by 2035

September 28, 2023
Community News

Lib Dem candidate calls for new Dartmoor Commons Act

September 28, 2023
Community News

Next stage of Inglewood works on Brixham Road due to start in October

September 28, 2023
Community News

Ted the missing moggie’s VIP Exeter Airport adventure

September 28, 2023
Community News

Blackpool Sands launches exciting quiz adventure for young explorers

September 27, 2023
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article

© 2023 We Are South Devon Brought to you by Griffiths Networking

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article

© 2023 We Are South Devon Brought to you by Griffiths Networking