Why is the white ibis said to be prominent among the ibises in India?

            The white ibis is a large bird which is as large as a hen, generally around 75 cm in length. But despite the white feather cover on their body, their head and neck are featherless and are black in colour. Their strong, curved down bill is also black. These birds do not possess a well-developed voice organ.

            These birds are seen in marshy lands, both on islands and on coastal areas. Their nests are built on trees near water, using sticks. They walk on marshlands, searching for food in loose mud, using their curved bills. For food, they may submerge their heads momentarily in shallow water. Fish, frog and other insects make up their main food. These birds can be seen in most parts of India, but they are not so abundant in our Northeastern states.