Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/scarlet-ibis/ Species photography guide # Scarlet Ibis Photography Holidays *Eudocimus ruber* Explore our Scarlet Ibis photography holidays in [Trinidad & Tobago](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/trinidad-tobago/), planned to give photographers proper time with this species during the best seasonal conditions.Our small-group photography holidays prioritise time in the field, light, behaviour, positioning & repeatable photographic opportunities rather than rushed wildlife viewing. [View trips](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/scarlet-ibis/#nl-species-trips)[Where](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/scarlet-ibis/#nl-species-where)[Field notes](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/scarlet-ibis/#nl-species-field-notes)[Related species](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/scarlet-ibis/#nl-species-related) ![Scarlet Ibis photography holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/A-Ruby-Topaz-hummingbird-Chrysolampis-mosquitus-hovering-in-the-air-photographed-in-Trinidad-at-the-locations-used-by-the-NaturesLens-Tropical-Birds-Of-Trinidad-Photography-Holiday-1024x683.jpg) ## At a glance Trips1 associated holiday Where[Trinidad & Tobago](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/trinidad-tobago/) Led by[David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) Species profile ## About this species The Scarlet Ibis is a striking wading bird found across tropical South America & the Caribbean, most notably in Trinidad & Tobago, where it is a national bird. Its vivid scarlet plumage is derived from carotenoid pigments in its crustacean-rich diet, making it one of the most brilliantly coloured birds in the world. It typically nests in large colonies in coastal mangroves & feeds in shallow mudflats, lagoons & estuaries. **Habitat** Coastal mangrove swamps, mudflats, shallow lagoons, estuaries & tropical wetlands across northern South America & Caribbean islands, particularly Trinidad. [Species background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet_ibis) Where to photograph ## Where our trips feature this species You can photograph Scarlet Ibis with us in [Trinidad & Tobago](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/trinidad-tobago/). These departures are part of our [South America](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/south-america/) programme. In the field, [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) helps guests make the most of these encounters. Field notes ## Photography notes **Best time** The late dry season into early wet season (April to June) is ideal, coinciding with our Tropical Birds Of Trinidad trip in April 2028. Late afternoon - roughly one to two hours before sunset - is the prime time of day, as birds gather and fly in large flocks to their mangrove roosts in warm, directional light. **Approach** Visit the Caroni Swamp in Trinidad during our April 2028 trip to capture the iconic late afternoon roost flight, when thousands of birds return to the mangroves in golden light. Use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to isolate individual birds against the green mangrove canopy, and expose carefully to retain detail in the brilliant red plumage without blowing out highlights. Shooting from a low boat position helps achieve eye-level compositions and reduces background clutter. Connected wildlife ## Often seen on the same trips On the trips associated with this species, photographers may also encounter: [Bananaquit](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/bananaquit/)[Bearded Bellbird](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/bearded-bellbird/)[Blue-chinned Sapphire](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/blue-chinned-sapphire/)[Channel-billed Toucan](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/channel-billed-toucan/)[Collared Trogon](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/collared-trogon/)[Copper-rumped Hummingbird](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/copper-rumped-hummingbird/)[Golden-headed Manakin](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/golden-headed-manakin/)[Green Honeycreeper](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/green-honeycreeper/)[Lineated Woodpecker](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/lineated-woodpecker/)[Orange-winged Parrot](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/orange-winged-parrot/) Available holidays ## Trips featuring Scarlet Ibis The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article. #### Guide connection David Miles leads trips where guests have the chance to photograph Scarlet Ibis in the field. [Meet David](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) ![Tropical Birds Of Trinidad](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/A-Ruby-Topaz-hummingbird-Chrysolampis-mosquitus-hovering-in-the-air-photographed-in-Trinidad-at-the-locations-used-by-the-NaturesLens-Tropical-Birds-Of-Trinidad-Photography-Holiday-1024x683.jpg) #### Related holiday Tropical Birds Of Trinidad gives guests time in Trinidad & Tobago where Scarlet Ibis can be part of the day's wildlife encounters. [View trip](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/birds-of-trinidad/) Route Destination Signature Destination Single occupancy Maximum 6 guests Experienced guidance Guided by David - [![Join Us For The Tropical Birds Of Trinidad Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/A-Ruby-Topaz-hummingbird-Chrysolampis-mosquitus-hovering-in-the-air-photographed-in-Trinidad-at-the-locations-used-by-the-NaturesLens-Tropical-Birds-Of-Trinidad-Photography-Holiday-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/birds-of-trinidad/) Launch Offer ### 22nd - 29th Apr 2028 - Tropical Birds Of Trinidad **Location:** Trinidad & Tobago Photograph the vibrant birdlife of Trinidad from the comfort of the legendary Asa Wright Nature Centre, where hummingbirds, honeycreepers & tropical rainforest species are often be photographed. Combining relaxed rainforest photography with private Scarlet Ibis sessions in Caroni Swamp. **7 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **Was: £5999 Now: £5499** Guided By **David Miles** [View Tropical Birds Of Trinidad](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/birds-of-trinidad/) -