Threskiornis bernieri
The Malagasy Sacred Ibis, Threskiornis bernieri, is a striking medium-sized wading bird, typically measuring around 65 cm (25.5 inches) in length with a wingspan of 112-124 cm. Its plumage is predominantly pristine white, contrasting sharply with its bare black head and neck, long, decurved black bill, and black legs. A distinctive field mark is the bare, often dull blue-grey skin visible on its face and throat, which can sometimes appear purplish or reddish during breeding season. Taxonomica...
Primarily found in coastal wetlands, including mangrove forests, tidal flats, estuaries, and shallow lagoons, typically at sea level.
Feeds mainly on invertebrates such as crabs, insects (especially larvae), and mollusks, supplemented by small fish and other aquatic organisms, primarily obtained by probing in soft mud or sand.
The Malagasy Sacred Ibis is a diurnal species, spending its days foraging in shallow waters and roosting communally in trees or mangroves at night, often with other wading birds. Foraging involves slow wading, systematically probing its long, decurved bill into soft substrates to locate hidden pr...
The Malagasy Sacred Ibis is strictly endemic to Madagascar and several small, offshore islands. Its primary distribution lies along the western and northwestern coasts of Madagascar, extending to the southwestern coast. Key areas include the estuaries, mangroves, and tidal flats of the Mozambique...
Endangered
- The Malagasy Sacred Ibis is endemic to Madagascar and a few small, outlying islands, found nowhere else in the world. - It was historically considered a subspecies of the widespread African Sacred Ibis, but genetic studies confirmed its distinct species status. - Its bare facial skin can appear...