African Sacred Ibis
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54800218" class="extiw" title="d:Q54800218"><span title="Scottish wildlife photographer">Charles J. Sharp</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameAfrican Sacred Ibis
Common NameAfrican Sacred Ibis
Scientific NameThreskiornis aethiopicus
FamilyThreskiornithidae
Wingspan (cm)118
Length (cm)68
Weight (g)1350
Plumage DetailsAdults have a white body, black bare head and neck, and black ornamental plumes on the rump and inner secondaries. Immatures, like the one pictured, have a feathered, mottled greyish-black head and neck, and less developed ornamental plumes.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can produce various grunts and croaks, especially during breeding season or when disturbed, often described as a deep 'honk' or 'croak'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, grasslands, savanna, cultivated areas, coastal lagoons, marshes, lakeshores
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, parts of the Middle East, and formerly Egypt. Introduced populations are established in parts of Europe (e.g., France, Italy) and other regions.
Identifying Featureslong decurved black bill, predominantly white body plumage, dark wing tips, black bare head and neck (adults), mottled greyish-black feathered head and neck (immatures)
Description
The African Sacred Ibis is a large wading bird with predominantly white plumage, a long, decurved black bill, and dark wing tips. It typically forages in wetlands and open areas, probing for various food items with its specialized bill.
