Threskiornis

Threskiornis is a genus of ibises in the family Threskiornithidae. Members of this genus are typically large wading birds with long down-curved bills and bare or lightly feathered heads in adults. Their plumage is generally pale, often white, with dark flight feathers, and their bills are often light-colored. They are widely recognized for their naked heads and necks, which contrasts with the plumage on the rest of the body.

Geographic distribution and habitat vary by species. Threskiornis ibises are found in Africa, parts of southern Asia, Madagascar, and Australia. They inhabit a range of wetland environments, including marshes, riverbanks, lakes, mangroves, and flooded savannas. Some species have adapted to open country and even urban areas where food resources are abundant.

Ecology and behavior. These ibises are omnivorous foragers, probing mud and shallow water for invertebrates, small vertebrates, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey. They are typically social, forming flocks outside the breeding season and roosting in trees or shrubs near water. Breeding involves constructing stick nests in trees or shrubs; both adults participate in incubation and chick-rearing, though parental roles can vary by species.

Notable species in the genus include the African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), the black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), the Australian white ibis (Threskiornis molucca), and the Madagascan ibis (Threskiornis bernieri). Taxonomic classification within the genus has varied as new data emerge, but these species are commonly cited as representatives of Threskiornis. Conservation status ranges from common to locally threatened, often reflecting habitat change and human encroachment.