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Malaysian Birds
Ibis
Ibises, belonging to the family
Threskiornithidae, are a group of long-legged
wading birds that inhabit diverse environments such as wetlands, forests,
and
plains. The name is derived from the Greek word ";Imis" Another
interpretation connects the name to the scientific term for the Cattle
Egret,
known as Bubulcus ibis.
Resembling herons and storks, ibises share many habitats and behavioral
traits
with these birds. Physically distinct from herons, ibises are robust fliers,
often seen with outstretched necks in V-formation during flight, which
involves
a combination of flaps and glides. Worldwide, there are a total of 56 ibis
species, with seven of them found in Southeast Asia.
Characterized by long, down curved bills, ibises typically feed in groups,
probing mud for crustaceans and other food items. They exhibit monogamous
and
highly territorial behavior during nesting and feeding. In their natural
habitats, ibises nest in trees, sometimes alongside spoonbills or herons.
The
breeding colonies are extensive, with the birds constructing compact stick
nests
low in bushes or trees and laying three to five eggs, usually dull white or
mottled with brown.
Found wading in shallow lagoons, lakes, bays, and marshes, ibises use their
bills to feed on small fish and soft mollusks. Their length ranges from
approximately 22 to 30 inches (55 to 75 centimeters). Notable species
include
the glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) and the closely related white-faced
ibis
(P. chihi), both displaying dark reddish-brown and glossy purplish plumage.
These birds are commonly found together in warmer regions across the globe.
In North America, ibises are occasionally referred to as curlews due to the
resemblance of their curved bills to true curlews.
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