Where does the Black-headed Ibis live?
Threskiornis melanocephalus
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Open the appThe Black-headed Ibis lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Wetlands, marshes, swamps, rice paddies, irrigated farmlands, shallow lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastal mudflats.
Geographic range
South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and parts of Indonesia (Sumatra, Java).
Preferred environments
Shallow freshwater and brackish wetlands with abundant aquatic vegetation and soft substrates for probing.
Elevation range
Primarily lowlands, up to approximately 1,000 meters.
Where to look
Wetlands and Marshes
These are prime habitats. Look in areas with shallow water, mudflats, and emergent vegetation.
Rice Paddies and Irrigated Farmlands
Often found foraging in these agricultural areas, especially after harvest or during planting when fields are flooded.
Lakes and Rivers
Shallow edges of freshwater lakes and slow-moving rivers are good spots.
Coastal Areas
Estuaries, tidal mudflats, and mangrove fringes are also frequented.
Field tips
- Scan open wetlands. Use binoculars to scan large expanses of shallow water and mudflats, as they often feed in groups.
- Look for movement. Their probing feeding action can be subtle, but their white bodies stand out against darker backgrounds.
- Visit during breeding season. If you want to see large congregations, locate known breeding colonies, often shared with other waterbirds.
- Check agricultural areas. Don't overlook flooded fields, as they are a common foraging ground.
Migration
Primarily resident throughout much of its range, but local movements and some seasonal migrations occur in response to rainfall and food availability. Northern populations may move south for winter.
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