African Sacred Ibis
NameAfrican Sacred Ibis
Common NameAfrican Sacred Ibis
Scientific NameThreskiornis aethiopicus
FamilyThreskiornithidae
Wingspan (cm)118
Length (cm)70
Weight (g)1350
Plumage DetailsThe body is mostly white, with black ornamental plumes on the back and rump that extend over the tail. The head and neck are bare and black, as are the legs and the long, decurved bill.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a quiet bird, but can produce a variety of grunts, croaks, and honks, particularly during breeding season or when disturbed.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, grasslands, agricultural areas, urban environments, coastal areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to sub-Saharan Africa and southeastern Iraq. Historically present in Egypt. Introduced populations are found in parts of Europe (e.g., France, Italy, Spain) and the Arabian Peninsula.
Identifying Featureslong decurved black bill, bare black head and neck, white body plumage, black ornamental plumes on back/rump, black legs
Description
A distinctive medium-sized wading bird, the African Sacred Ibis is characterized by its predominantly white body plumage contrasted with a bare black head and neck. It possesses a long, stout, and downward-curved black bill, which it uses to probe for food in various habitats.
