Madagascar Crested Ibis
April 28, 2008
The Madagascar Crested Ibis (Lophotibis cristata), also known as the White-winged Ibis or Crested Wood Ibis, is endemic to the woodlands and forests of Madagascar. Due to habitat loss, limited range and over hunting in some areas, this bird is evaluated as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species.
The Madagascar Crested Ibis is medium-sized at about 20 inches in length. It has brown plumage, bare red orbital skin, yellow bill, red legs, white wings and its head is partially bare with a dense crest of green or gloss blue and white plumes on the nape.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, frogs, reptiles, snails and invertebrates. The female usually lays three eggs in platform nest made from twigs and branches.