Red-naped Ibis

The Red-naped Ibis, also known as the Indian Black Ibis or simply Black Ibis, is a striking bird with a predominantly dark plumage. It is characterized by its long legs and downcurved bill, which is grey but turns reddish during the breeding season. The adult bird's body is a rich brown, while the wings and tail exhibit a blue-green gloss. A distinctive white patch adorns the shoulders, and the head, devoid of feathers, showcases a bright red warty patch, known as a caruncle, on the crown and nape.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Red-naped Ibis, look for the white shoulder patch and the unique red caruncle on the head. Both sexes appear identical, and juveniles are browner with a feathered head, lacking the bare crown. The bird's orange-red iris is also a helpful feature for identification. From a distance, one might confuse it with the Glossy Ibis, but the latter is smaller, more sociable, prefers wetlands, and has a fully feathered head.

Habitat

The Red-naped Ibis frequents a variety of habitats, including lakes, marshes, riverbeds, and irrigated farmlands. It is often found in dry fields, away from water bodies, and is known to roost communally in trees or on islands at night.

Distribution

This species is widespread across the plains of the Indian Subcontinent. It is a common breeding resident in regions such as Haryana, Punjab, and the Gangetic plain, extending into southern India but absent from forested and arid zones.

Behaviour

The Red-naped Ibis is diurnal, active during the day, and often seen foraging in small groups. It is known for its loud calls at dawn and dusk, particularly when breeding. The bird roosts in groups and flies in a "V" formation to and from its roosting sites.

Song & Calls

The Red-naped Ibis vocalizes with a series of loud braying and squealing screams that decrease in loudness, particularly noticeable during nesting periods.

Breeding

Breeding season varies but often precedes the monsoons, between March and October. Nests are large stick platforms, sometimes built on powerline pylons, and both parents incubate the eggs. The species may nest individually or in small colonies and is known to reuse old nests.

Similar Species

The Glossy Ibis is the most similar species but can be distinguished by its smaller size, wetland habitat, and lack of a white wing patch and bare head.

Diet and Feeding

An omnivore, the Red-naped Ibis feeds on carrion, insects, frogs, small vertebrates, and grain. It forages mainly on dry land and is sometimes seen at garbage dumps or following agricultural tilling activities.

Conservation status

The Red-naped Ibis is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population in India. However, it has declined in Pakistan due to hunting and habitat loss. Conservation efforts include breeding programs in zoos worldwide.