Bird-spotters in West Flanders have discovered a fledgling white ibis on the Ieperlee Canal in Merkem (Houthulst) near Diksmuide. This bird species is common in our climes, but it is very unusual that they also breed here.
Fledgling white ibis spotted in West Flanders: ‘Very unusual for the bird to breed here’
Colin Clapson
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The white ibis ended up in Belgium by chance after being imported from America by breeders as an ornamental bird. ‘They may have escaped and have nested in the area,’ explains Guido Vandenbroucke, curator of the De Blankaart nature reserve. ‘The white ibis is not indigenous to our climes.’
‘We know they turn up here from time to time and must be breeding somewhere, but we have never found evidence of it. It is highly unusual to spot a young bird here. A nest has not been found and there is no trace of the parents.’
Grey for now, white later
For now, the white ibis is still grey. ‘It is still a young bird and doesn't yet have the beautiful adult colours of its parents. Adult ibises have beautiful white feathers, a red, curved beak and red feet. For now the young ibis looks more like an egret. It is yet to get its beautiful colours.’
The non-native bird does not pose a threat to native species. ‘Its relative, the sacred ibis with a black bill, which comes from Africa, does need to be eradicated’ says Guido.