Bird

Madagascar Crested Ibis

Lophotibis cristata

Also known as Madagascar Ibis, White-winged Ibis, Crested Wood Ibis

Madagascar crested ibises are striking forest dwellers endemic to Madagascar, easily recognized by their iridescent crests and contrasting white wing patches visible in flight. They walk quietly across the damp forest floor, using their long curved yellow bills to probe leaf litter for frogs, snails, and insects. Monogamous pairs defend permanent territories, building solitary stick nests high in the canopy to raise their young.

Forest DwellerEndemicCrested

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—observations

—countries

—peak records

VulnerableConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyInsects, Frogs, Lizards

Predators

Fossa
Madagascar Harrier-Hawk
Malagasy Tree Boa

ThreatsDeforestation, habitat fragmentation, hunting pressure

HabitatsPrimary rainforests, dry deciduous forests

Life span10–15 years

Classification

FamilyThreskiornithidae
SpeciesLophotibis cristata

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice: Look for a brown ibis with a bushy iridescent crest, bright red facial skin, and white wing panels.
Support conservation: Avoid approaching active nests or using playback calls that distress territorial pairs.

Responsible observation

Listening for Calls: Listen for loud raucous croaks echoing through dense forest understory.
Safe Distance: Maintain a respectful distance to prevent flushing pairs while they forage.
Habitat Spotting: Look for them on the damp ground beneath dense canopy cover early in the morning.

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