Black-headed Ibis:
A flock of rare White Ibis, commonly known as Black-headed Ibis, was recently sighted in the salt pan regions of Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu.
- 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.
- Scientific Name: Threskiornis melanocephalus
- These are called wader birds due to their adaptability to a wide variety of aquatic environments.
- It is found in South- and Southeast Asia from India to the west and as far east as Japan.
- Found primarily around wetlands including agricultural fields and occasionally around coastal areas, but also seen foraging in dry fields and human-modified landscapes.
- It is a large wader bird, with adults measuring 65–76 cm in length\
- It is the only native ibis species in its range that has an overall white plumage with a black neck and head.
- Males and females look similar and both have greyish tail feathers.
- Tails of adults bear light grey ornamental feathers that turn jet black during the breeding season.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
