The giant ibis is a wading bird of the ibis family, Threskiornithidae. It is confined to northern Cambodia, with a few birds surviving in extreme southern Laos and a recent sighting in Yok Đôn National Park, Vietnam. It is sometimes placed in the genus Thaumatibis.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
The giant ibis primarily inhabits lowland dry dipterocarp forests interspersed with seasonal wetlands, forest pools, and riverine sandbars. It favors remote, lightly disturbed areas where ephemeral pools form during the rainy season. Breeding typically occurs near large trees that overlook feeding areas, often far from human settlement. Outside the breeding season it forages widely across open forest floors, grazed clearings, and along quiet river margins.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The giant ibis is Cambodia’s national bird and the largest ibis in the world. It is Critically Endangered, with only a few hundred individuals remaining, mostly in northern Cambodia and a handful in southern Laos and Vietnam. Major threats include habitat loss in lowland dry forests, human disturbance, hunting, and drought-driven wetland decline. Intensive nest protection and creation of seasonal pools have become key conservation tools.
Cambodian woman preparing to release a rescued giant ibis
Temperament
wary and shy
Flight Pattern
strong flier with slow, powerful wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally small family groups. Pairs are monogamous and nest high in tall trees, building large stick platforms. Clutch size is typically two eggs, and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing. Nests are often guarded by community wardens in key conservation landscapes.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include deep, resonant bugling and honking notes, often given in duets by pairs. Calls are far-carrying and can sound mournful or trumpet-like, especially at dawn. Soft grunts and hisses are used at the nest.
