Bird Guide

Bare-faced Ibis vs Black-headed Ibis

Bare-faced Ibis (Phimosus infuscatus)

Bare-faced Ibis

Phimosus infuscatus

Large559 gWetland

The bare-faced ibis is either dark brown or a blackish color. It is called the bare-faced ibis because it does not have any feathers on its face. It has a long decurved bill with a pinkish to reddish brown colour. The skin on its face is usually a reddish color, and it also has long orange colored beak with pink legs. The total length of the ibis ranges between 45 and 50 cm.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Tiago Lubiana · CC0
Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus)

Black-headed Ibis

Threskiornis melanocephalus

Large1.3 kgWetland

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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Suhas Saya · CC BY 4.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Bare-faced Ibis and Black-headed Ibis.