The male and female Scarlet Ibis are the same color, but males are larger and the males’ bills average 1.24 times longer than females’ bills. 

During the breeding season, the bare skin of the face and legs turns bright red and the red skin next to the bill below the eyes becomes greatly swollen in both sexes, looking like the bird is holding marbles in its cheeks (actually throat pouches). 

The red color in the wild depends on time of year, diet, and genetics, so that birds can range in color from pink to orange to scarlet. 

Our zoo birds also vary in color depending on diet and time of year (paler before molt). It is important for them to eat flamingo diet to retain their red color. 

There is a groove along the mandible; this is normal and functions in removing secretions of the salt gland.