The Madagascar Ibis (Lophotibis cristata), also known as the Madagascar Crested Ibis, White-winged Ibis or Crested Wood Ibis, is the only member in the genus Lophotibis.
Description
The Madagascar Crested Ibis is a medium-sized (approximately 50cm long), brown-plumaged ibis.
It has bare red orbital skin, a yellow bill, red legs, and white wings, and its head is partially bare with a dense crest of green or gloss blue and white plumes on the nape (back of the neck).
Distribution / Range
It is endemic to the woodlands and forests of Madagascar.
Diet / Feeding
Its diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, frogs, reptiles, snails, and invertebrates.
Breeding / Nesting
The female usually lays three eggs in a platform nest made from twigs and branches.
Status
Due to ongoing habitat loss, limited range, and overhunting in some areas, the Madagascar Crested Ibis is evaluated as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
References
- BirdLife International (2008). Lophotibis cristata. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 05 November 2008. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is near threatened
Ibis Information and Listing of Species … Ibis Species Photo Gallery
