Why is the mascot of University Miami a duck?

The mascot of the University of Miami Hurricanes is not a duck, it is a stylized Ibis named Sebastian the Ibis. The Ibis was chosen as the mascot in 1926 after a vote by students and faculty. The Ibis was chosen because it is a native bird of Florida and is known for its strength, courage, and tenacity, all qualities that the university wanted its athletes and students to embody.