The distinctive bushy-crest and red facial skin of the crested ibis provide this bird with its character and beauty. While breeding, the white plumage changes to grey on the head, neck and shoulders. The crested ibis stands approximately 56cm (22’’) tall and has a wingspan of 140 cm (4’6’’).

Wild crested ibis can be seen in Huayang Village. A stroll around the surrounding rural area with our guides can be rewarded by seeing ibis in nesting trees, feeding in the terraced rice fields or in the shallows of close by rivers.  They are often seen feeding and nesting within close proximity to settlements suggesting they are not bothered by human activities in these areas. The best time to see crested ibis are at dawn and dusk. In the evening our guides can guide you to the tree where the ibis roost at night.

Crested ibis lay two to four eggs in a tree nest during April/May but competition for food means there are usually only two fledglings raised in the nest. Chicks depart the nest aged 40 days and become independent after 70 days. Birds usually start to breed after two or three years. Although this species was previously migratory, the current population does not move from its present location except when making short altitudinal shifts as the seasons change.

The diet of the crested Ibis consists of crabs, frogs, small fish (particularly loach), eels, snails, other mollusc's and beetles. Food is found in rice fields, reservoirs and river banks.