A red-naped ibis wandering the Char Bagdanga in Chapainawabganj. A striking medium-sized bird native to South Asia, it is found predominantly in India and parts of Southeast Asia. The red patch on its nape is especially pronounced during breeding season, adding some colour to its otherwise dark appearance. Red-naped ibises are often seen foraging in shallow waters, where they use their long, curved bills to find insects, small amphibians, and other invertebrates. These birds have a strong cultural significance in some areas and are even mentioned in local folklore. Though they have a broader distribution across parts of South Asia, they are considered rare and at risk in Bangladesh, mainly due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion, wetland degradation, and human encroachment. Wetland habitats, which are crucial for the ibis' survival, are increasingly being drained or disturbed, impacting their population in the country.
 

PHOTO: MOSABBER HOSSAIN RIBON