This medium-sized wading bird is hardy, numerous, and prolific, and it has protected status around the world. Its IUCN status is Least Concern. The legitimacy of Eudocimus ruber as a biological classification, however, is in dispute. Traditional Linnaean taxonomy classifies it as a unique species, but some scientists have moved to reclassify it as a subspecies of a more general American ibis species, along with its close relative, the American white ibis (Eudocimus albus). I frequently see American white ibis in Florida, but never a red ibis. Have you ever seen a red ibis before?

Adults are 55–63 centimeters (22–25 in) long, and the males, slightly larger than females, typically weigh about 1.4 kilograms (3.1 lbs)] Their bills are also on average around 22% longer than those of females. The life span of the scarlet ibis is approximately sixteen years in the wild and twenty years in captivity. An adult scarlet ibis has a wingspan of around 54 centimeters (21 in). Though it spends most of its time on foot or wading through water, the bird is a very strong flyer. They are highly migratory and easily capable of long-distance flight. They move as flocks in a classic V formation. Would you like to see a flock of red ibis flying in formation?