Lophotibis cristata
The Madagascar Ibis, *Lophotibis cristata*, is a striking medium-sized ibis endemic to the forests of Madagascar, known for its cryptic nature despite its vibrant plumage. Measuring 50-55 cm (20-22 inches) in length and weighing approximately 1 kg (2.2 lbs), this species exhibits a predominantly dark, iridescent green-brown to blackish plumage, contrasting sharply with a prominent white patch on its wings, visible both in flight and at rest. A distinctive feature is its shaggy, metallic-green...
This ibis primarily inhabits humid evergreen forests, dry deciduous forests, and spiny thickets across Madagascar. It prefers undisturbed forested areas, from sea level up to 2,000 meters, often found near streams or moist forest floors.
Their diet mainly consists of invertebrates such as beetles, larvae, grasshoppers, cicadas, centipedes, millipedes, earthworms, and snails. Occasionally, they may also consume small reptiles and amphibians, foraging primarily by probing soft ground and leaf litter.
Madagascar Ibises are diurnal, typically observed foraging alone, in pairs, or small family groups on the forest floor, though larger flocks can sometimes form at communal roosts. They employ a characteristic foraging strategy, probing leaf litter and soft ground with their long, decurved bills i...
The Madagascar Ibis is entirely endemic to Madagascar, where it is a year-round resident across suitable forested habitats. Its distribution is somewhat patchy due to habitat fragmentation and loss, but it can be found in both the humid evergreen forests of the eastern escarpment and the dry deci...
Near Threatened
- The Madagascar Ibis is one of the most distinctive and least-known members of the ibis family, being the only one endemic to Madagascar and exclusively inhabiting forests. - Unlike most ibises found in open wetlands, this species is a true forest specialist, spending much of its time foraging o...