Black-headed Ibis
Photo: Hari Krishnan · CC BY-SA 4.0

Ibises and Spoonbills

Black-headed Ibis

Threskiornis melanocephalus

LCLeast Concern
Family
Ibises and Spoonbills (Threskiornithidae)
Order
Pelecaniformes

Overview

The black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), also known as the Oriental white ibis, Indian white ibis, and black-necked ibis, is a species of wading bird of the ibis family Threskiornithidae which breeds in the South and Southeast Asia from India to the west and as far east as Japan. It is the only native ibis species in its range that has an overall white plumage with a black neck and head. The down-curved beak and legs are also black. Though often referred to as a wetland species, the black-headed ibis forages in a range of natural and man-made habitats.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where to see it

Destination guides featuring this bird

Range and habitat

India to southeastern Asia; winters to eastern China, Sumatra, and Philippines.

Range description: AviList Global Avian Checklist.

Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.