The word "ibis" is spelled with three sounds: /aɪ/ + /b/ + /ɪs/. The first sound, /aɪ/, represents the long "i" sound, as heard in words like "eye" and "sky". The second sound, /b/, represents the letter "b", pronounced as a voiced bilabial stop. The final sound, /ɪs/, represents the letters "is", pronounced with a short "i" and a voiceless alveolar fricative. Altogether, these sounds create the written word "ibis", referring to a long-legged wading bird.
Ibis is the common name for a group of long-legged wading birds belonging to the family Threskiornithidae. These birds are predominantly characterized by their long, curved bills that taper to a sharp point. With a distinct and recognizable appearance, they are found in various parts of the world, including Africa, Australia, Asia, and the Americas.
The ibis is usually medium to large in size, possessing a slender body structure and long, thin legs that aid in foraging for food. They typically have a white or predominantly white plumage, often with black wingtips, although some species may exhibit different coloration patterns. Ibis species also vary in terms of the length and curvature of their bills, which are specialized for probing and capturing food.
These birds are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including wetlands, marshes, rivers, and even urban areas. Their diet primarily consists of insects, small aquatic creatures, and in some cases, vegetation.
In addition to their physical attributes, ibises are also known for their communal behavior. They often form large flocks or colonies, especially during the breeding season, which provides safety in numbers and facilitates efficient foraging. Some species also exhibit remarkable migratory patterns, traveling long distances to their breeding or wintering grounds.
Overall, ibises are remarkable birds with distinctive features, recognized globally for their elegant appearance and adaptability to different environments.
A tall bird found in various parts of Africa, particularly in Egypt, and held sacred by the anc. Egyptians.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "ibis" has its roots in Ancient Egypt. It is derived from the Greek word "ibis", which itself originated from the Egyptian word "hꜣb" or "hꜣp". In Ancient Egypt, the ibis was highly revered and associated with the god Thoth, who was the god of wisdom and writing. Thoth was often depicted with the head of an ibis or as a full-bodied ibis. This sacred status of the bird led to the word "ibis" being used to describe the species.