It is a member of the genus Plegadis and the order Pelecaniformes within the family Threskiornithidae. It is a predator that eats mostly small fish and insects. It catches its prey by using its long back curve. It can achieve maturity at the age of three years old, and it often lives in huge flocks of around fourteen years. The ibis is a caring bird that exhibits certain colorful traits. Its dark body has a metallic sheen that allows it to appear green, golden, or purple.