The Indian Subcontinent provides suitable habitat to various species of birds for residing and reproducing. Ibis are no exception in this regard. Different types of Ibis have been recorded in different parts of India. These Ibis are described below.
Red-Naped Ibis
Red-Naped Ibis is found in the plains of the Indian Subcontinent. This ibis is identified as a large black-colored bird. It has a featherless head, at the top of which is a patch of bright red warty skin. Its Iris is orange red in color and it"s bill is long and curves downwards. This bird has a brown body and neck, which are devoid of gloss. Blue-green gloss is evident on the black wing feathers and tail. Male and female Ibis are identical and young birds are browner and initially lack the bare head and crown. This bird depends on carrion, insects, frogs, etc for survival.
Black-Headed Ibis
Black-Headed Ibis breeds in the Indian Subcontinent and has been traced in its northern part. An adult of this species is described as having white-plumage. It has bald head, black neck and dusky yellow-colored bill, which is thick and curves downwards. Even the legs are black in color. The white wings of the bird have some grey areas as well. Male and female Black-Headed Ibis are known to be similar. A juvenile has whiter neck and a black bill. The length of this bird has been recorded typically as 75 cm. This bird depends on fish, frogs, insects, etc for survival.
Glossy Ibis
Glossy Ibis can be identified as a bird with reddish-brown body. Its long bill is brownish grey in color and curves downwards. Its wings are shiny bottle-green in color. Its leg color varies from dark brown to olive-grey. It has a length of about 45 to 65 cm, giving it the label of being medium sized. Its wingspan ranges from about 80 to 90 cm. This ibis has been labeled as of "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It depends on fish, amphibians, lizards, small snakes, insects, molluscs and crustaceans for survival.
