Black-headed Ibis
Threskiornis melanocephalus
The Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) is a common ibises and spoonbill found in 18 countries, weighing about 1.3 kg. The black-headed ibis, also known as the Oriental white ibis, Indian white ibis, and black-necked ibis, is a species of wading bird of the ibis family Threskiornithidae which breeds in the South and Southeast Asia from India to the west and as far east as Japan.
About the Black-headed Ibis
The black-headed ibis, also known as the Oriental white ibis, Indian white ibis, and black-necked ibis, is a species of wading bird of the ibis family Threskiornithidae which breeds in the South and Southeast Asia from India to the west and as far east as Japan. It is the only native ibis species in its range that has an overall white plumage with a black neck and head. The down-curved beak and legs are also black. Though often referred to as a wetland species, the black-headed ibis forages in a range of natural and man-made habitats. This species of ibis nests only during the rainy season.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The black-headed ibis is one of several large waterbird species in south and south-east Asia, with adults measuring 65–76 cm in length. The white plumage is starkly contrasted against a conspicuous naked black neck and head, and black down-curved beak. Tails of adults bear light grey ornamental feathers that turn jet black during the breeding season. During the breeding season, bare patches under the wing turn blood-red. The head of some breeding adults gain a blueish tinge, or very rarely have a pink or bright red patch behind the neck.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Black-headed Ibis can be seen all year round, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Black-headed Ibis?
- The black-headed ibis is one of several large waterbird species in south and south-east Asia, with adults measuring 65–76 cm in length. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Black-headed Ibis?
- The Black-headed Ibis is a large sized bird weighing about 1.3 kg.
- Where can you see a Black-headed Ibis?
- The Black-headed Ibis occurs in 18 countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia and Bangladesh.
- What birds look similar to a Black-headed Ibis?
- The Black-headed Ibis is most easily confused with the Straw-necked Ibis, the African Sacred Ibis and the Malagasy Sacred Ibis.
- Is the Black-headed Ibis endangered?
- The Black-headed Ibis is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Black-headed Ibis for real
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