The Thaumatibis gigantean (scientific name) or giant ibis is found near marshes, swamps, rivers and lakes, only of Northern Cambodia. Till the 1920s, this bird was a resident breeder in parts of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam as well. Since then, the population has depleted greatly. 40-42 inches in length and 39 inches in height, the bird has a naked greyish head and neck. The overall plumage is dull greyish-brown in colour, with silvery-grey wingtips and dark bands across its shoulder, back and head. The eyes are dark red, the beak is long, bent downwards and yellowish-brown and the legs are orange. Its diet includes invertebrates, amphibians, insects and sometimes seeds. An average clutch has 2 eggs, incubated for a few weeks. Its IUCN listing is CRITICALLY ENDANGERED.
Giant Ibis
