(Part of the) common name of most species of the subfamily Threskiornithinae of the Threskiornithidae (Ciconiiformes, suborder Ciconiae), and in the plural (ibises) the general term for the subfamily (± 26 species). It should be noted that the name ibis is also used for species of wood-ibises (subfamily Mycteriinae of the family Ciconiidae or 'storks') which taxonomically are a kind of stork. Ibises are 56-76 cm long and have the distinctive feature of a long, thin and decurved bill. The neck (extended in flight) and legs (with partly bare tibiae or lower legs) are rather long and the tail is short. The toes are of moderate length and the forward three are connected at the base by a small web. The sexes are alike in plumage, and some species have unfeathered faces and sometimes also an uncovered head and neck (not in immature birds). Their habitat is usually in the vicinity of fresh water where they feed on crustaceans, small fish, reptiles, worms, insects and some vegetable matter. Ibises are somewhat gregarious and breeding is colonial. The young are nidicolous (poorly developed at hatching) and have two successive down plumages (like storks). They are widely distributed in the warmer parts of the world (tropical and subtropical regions). A well-known member is the Sacred Ibis which was a sacred bird to the ancient Egyptians. The only species also distributed in Europe is the Glossy Ibis.

Alternative forms for ibises : ibis, Plegadis.