malagasy sacred ibis Threskiornis bernieri

Large white ibis with fluffy black feathers across the rump and a black head. A good view reveals a pale eye in adults. Immatures can have a dark eye and white on the throat. In flight, the wings are completely white. Rare and local resident of western Madagascar and Aldabra, in the Seychelles. Found on coastal mudflats and sandy shores, in mangroves, and on the banks of brackish rivers, ponds, and lakes. Rarely uses freshwater habitats. Very similar to African Sacred Ibis, but separated at all ages by the lack of black wingtips in flight. Adults further separated by their pale eye.