Madagascar ibis
Lophotibis cristata
At the Zoo
African Aviary
Fascinating Facts
Madagascar ibis are also known as Madagascar crested ibis, crested wood ibis and white-winged ibis. They are endemic to Madagascar and found nowhere else in the world. There are two subspecies recognized. Their scientific name is derived from the Greek “Lophos” which means “crest” and the Latin “crustatus” which also means “crest”.
Physical Characteristics
Madagascar ibis are about 20 inches in length, with brown feathers on the body, white wings, and a greenish-blue crest on the head. They have pink legs, a yellow beak and bare pink skin surrounding their eye. Their beak is long and curved to probe the forest substrate. Males and females are similar in appearance. They are one of the larger birds in the Malagasy forest.
Diet
They eat invertebrates, mollusks, small amphibians and reptiles.
Habitat
Madagascar ibis are found in both the humid forests of northeastern Madagascar and the dry forests of the southern and western parts of the country. They inhabit both primary and secondary forest.
Social Behavior
Madagascar ibis feed in pairs or sometimes small groups, walking along the forest floor and probing for food with their long beak. Breeding takes place during the rainy season. A platform nest is formed out of twigs and branches and located in the fork of a tree. A clutch of 2 – 3 eggs is laid.
Status In The Wild
The African island of Madagascar, from sea-level to 6,600 feet.
Other
Madagascar ibis are threatened by habitat destruction and fragmentation, as well as being hunted for food.