White-shouldered Ibis

Description:

Listed as Critically Endangered under the IUCNredlist. "The species is considered to be the most threatened large waterbird in South-East Asia and was a priority species during the designation of Cambodian IBAs and priority areas for conservation in the 'dry forest ecoregion' of South-East Asia (Tordoff et al. 2005)." (IUCNredlist) I realise my images are not the best quality. However, the bird is able to be identified and it was not possible to approach the bird more closely as we did not wish to disturb the nest site. I posted this spotting simply to bring attention to this wonderful bird that is Critically Endangered. "Large, dark ibis with distinctive pale collar, bluish-tinged at close range. Dark overall, blackish, naked head, dull red legs and whitish patch on inner forewing." (Wiki)

Habitat:

Sitting on the nest high in the tree at Tmatboey which is situtated in the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary. According to our guide from Sam Veasna Center, the White-shouldered Ibis nests in 2 different species of trees. One is definitely Dipterocarpus alatus (Endangered) but at this stage they are unsure of the other species of tree.

Notes:

This female was keeping a wary eye on us as we attempted to photograph her. It was thought that she is sitting on at least one egg if not two. Of course, we are all hoping it's two! "Tmatboey, in the Northern Plains, Cambodia, supports a small breeding population (up to 5 nests per year) with a maximum of 39 individuals recorded in the wet season (H. Wright in litt. 2012)." (Birdlife International: http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species... ) For further reading about how "Traditional pastoralism is critical to the conservation of some of Asia's most threatened birds", please follow this link: http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sowb/ca...