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This is a regular winter migrant to the country. However it used to be breeding resident in the past and a pair was last recorded breeding at Weerawila in 1872. Since then this species was not recorded during the first half of last century until 1965 where a single specimen was observed at Kalametiya. It is now (2017) regarded at a regular winter migrant and is usually seen at many locations of the low country dry zone such as Bundala National park, Kalametiya, Dembarawewa Tank, Nawadankulama and Anawilundawa. In the wet zone it is regularly seen in paddy fields around Bellanwila Attidiya.

This is the most widespread species of ibis in the world and breeds in warm regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic & Caribbean regions of North and South America. These populations fly south during winter.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (IUCN Red List).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species at Bellanwila Attidiya, paddy fields close to Pillawa temple, Kalametiya, Bundala National park, Jaffna peninsula and Mannar. The highest number I have recorded so far has been 29 birds in December 1995 at Bellanwila Attidiya and the same number in February 2003 at Bundala National park.

This is not a commonly seen species in Wilpattu. My first sighting of this species was two birds on the 18th of August 2017 at Kaya Motte. The next day I observed 5 birds at the same location.