New breeding record of Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus from Malappuram District, Kerala, India

Authors

  • K.K. Junaina Post Graduate & Research Department of Zoology, Farook College (Autonomous), Affiliated to University of Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala 673632, India. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4545-7454
  • A.P. Rashiba Post Graduate & Research Department of Zoology, Farook College (Autonomous), Affiliated to University of Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala 673632, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10458.18.5.28995-28997

Keywords:

Breeding site, conservation, nest, waterbirds, wetland

Abstract

A breeding colony of Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus was recorded on 4th November 2025 at Edavannappara, Malappuram District, Kerala, India. Three active nests containing seven chicks were observed on upper branches of Alstonia scholaris. The nesting tree was located along a busy roadside exposed to daily disturbances, frequent human interference and vehicular traffic. The surrounding landscape comprised paddy fields and agro-ecosystems. This observation represents a new breeding record of the species from Malappuram District and highlights the ecological importance of the area for the conservation of waterbirds. Long term monitoring and protection of the breeding habitat are essential for sustaining the local population.

References

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Published

26-05-2026

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 5 (2026)

Section

Notes

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Copyright (c) 2026 K.K. Junaina, A.P. Rashiba

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