Photo: DickDaniels (http://theworldbirds.org/) / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Vulnerable

Herons, Pelicans & Ibises

Madagascar Ibis

Lophotibis cristata

Madagascar Ibis (Lophotibis cristata) — Herons, Pelicans & Ibises of Africa.

The Madagascar Ibis (Lophotibis cristata) is a member of the Threskiornithidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 583 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List

VU Vulnerable

Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Where it fits

Class Aves
Order Pelecaniformes
Family Threskiornithidae Ibises, Spoonbills
Genus Lophotibis
Species cristata

Where it lives

Madagascar (except central, far southern)

Africa

Quick facts

Weight: 583 g
Diet: Invertebrate-eaters
Family: Threskiornithidae
Order: Pelecaniformes
Habitat: Woodland

How to identify

Similar birds

Least Concern

Green Ibis

Mesembrinibis cayennensis

Least Concern

Biology & behaviour

Diet

The Madagascar Ibis is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.

Behaviour

A bird of dense woodland, it forages mainly on the ground.

Migration

The Madagascar Ibis is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.

The Madagascar Ibis (Lophotibis cristata) is a member of the Threskiornithidae family, within the order Pelecaniformes. Its range spans Africa. Its distribution covers AF Madagascar (except c, far s).

It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 583 g, with a wing length of about 31.9 cm and a tail of around 14.6 cm.

It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.

Its mapped global range covers an estimated 535,000 km².

Songs & calls

Madagascar Ibis — Call

Recorded by Frank Lambert Licence: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Madagascar Ibis?

The Madagascar Ibis is a large bird that weighs around 583 g.

Where does the Madagascar Ibis live?

The Madagascar Ibis is found across Africa with a range covering AF Madagascar (except c, far s), where it is typically found in wooded and forested habitats.

What family does the Madagascar Ibis belong to?

The Madagascar Ibis (Lophotibis cristata) belongs to the Threskiornithidae family, in the order Pelecaniformes.

What does the Madagascar Ibis eat?

The Madagascar Ibis is a invertivore — it feeds mainly on invertebrates such as insects and other small prey.

Does the Madagascar Ibis migrate?

The Madagascar Ibis is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.

Is the Madagascar Ibis endangered?

It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.

What sound does the Madagascar Ibis make?

1 real field recording of the Madagascar Ibis — including its call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.

How large is the Madagascar Ibis's range?

The Madagascar Ibis has a mapped global range of about 535,000 km².