 Like other species of ibis , the American white ibis flies with neck and legs outstretched , often in long loose lines or V formations — a 1986 field study in North Carolina noted over 80 % of adult ibis doing so , while juveniles rapidly took up the practice over the course of the summer . The resulting improvement in aerodynamics may lower energy expenditure . These lines fly in an undulating pattern as they alternately flap and glide . Soaring in a circular pattern is also seen . Heights of 500 to 1 @,@ 000 m ( 1 @,@ 600 to 3 @,@ 300 ft ) may be reached as birds glide over flights of 20 km ( 12 mi ) or more . More commonly , birds fly between 60 and 100 m ( 200 and 330 ft ) above the ground , gliding or flapping at a rate of around 3 @.@ 3 wingbeats a second . 
