African Sacred Ibis
Image: Marike (cc-by-nc)
NameAfrican Sacred Ibis
Common NameAfrican Sacred Ibis
Scientific NameThreskiornis aethiopicus
FamilyThreskiornithidae
Wingspan (cm)118
Length (cm)70
Weight (g)1350
Plumage DetailsMostly white body plumage, with black primary and secondary flight feathers visible during flight. The head and neck are bare and black, as are the legs and feet. During breeding season, some individuals may develop ornamental black plumes on their lower back.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a silent bird, but can produce various grunting, croaking, or wheezing sounds, especially when disturbed or at nesting colonies.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, swamps, floodplains, cultivated fields, coastal lagoons, urban areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to sub-Saharan Africa and southeastern Iraq. Historically present in Egypt. Introduced and established populations exist in parts of Europe (e.g., France, Italy, Spain), Australia, and the Arabian Peninsula.
Identifying Featurespredominantly white body plumage, bare black head and neck, long, thick, decurved black bill, black legs and feet, black wingtips visible in flight
Description
The African Sacred Ibis is a large wading bird characterized by its predominantly white plumage and distinctive bare black head, neck, and legs. It forages in wetlands and open fields, often in groups, using its long, decurved bill to probe for food.
