Black-headed ibis trying to snatch snake

[Sabyasachi Patra]

One black-headed ibis caught a snake. Another ibis came and attempted to snatch it. I will share total three images of ibis with snake.

This is from our recent Chilika trip.

Canon EOS 1DX Mark II, Canon EF 400mm f2.8 L IS USM lens with EF 2xIII TC (800mm optical focal length), fullframe image ie. no crop.

[Mrudul Godbole]

The snake has curled up in the beak, it also might be trying to escape. It would be really difficult for the Ibis to keep the snake held firmly in the beak and also fend off the attack from the other ibis. Very interesting behavior photographed. Look forward to more in the series. Thanks for sharing.