Occurrence, range expansion and distribution of the Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus (Lichtenstein, 1823) (Ciconiiformes, Threskiornithidae) in the State of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil

Occurrence, range expansion and distribution of the Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus (Lichtenstein, 1823) (Ciconiiformes, Threskiornithidae) in the State of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. The Bare-faced Ibis is widespread in central-southern South America. It was reported to occur in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, but no precise locality was known. In the last six years the species became frequent and abundant throughout the coastal region and Vale do Itajai (Itajai Basin), as well as in the west of the State. This recent colonization seems to have gone from south northward, thus the inverse of the trend observed in recent cases of bird colonization in Santa Catarina. Even though the substitution of natural landscapes by agricultural fields and farm ranches may have favored its colonization, the Bare-faced Ibis has been recorded in natural habits also. The reasons that caused its rapid range expansion in Santa Catarina are still in need of further investigation.