African Sacred Ibis
NameAfrican Sacred Ibis
Common NameAfrican Sacred Ibis
Scientific NameThreskiornis aethiopicus
FamilyThreskiornithidae
Wingspan (cm)118
Length (cm)70
Weight (g)1350
Plumage DetailsAdults have a white body with black ornamental plumes on the back, particularly prominent during the breeding season. The head and neck are bare and black, as are the legs and feet. The bill is long, stout, and downcurved, also black.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a silent bird, but can produce various grunts, croaks, and guttural calls, especially when disturbed or within breeding colonies.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, grassland, coastal, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to sub-Saharan Africa and southeastern Iraq, and historically present in Egypt. Introduced populations exist in parts of Europe (e.g., France, Italy, Spain) and other regions.
Identifying FeaturesPredominantly white body plumage, Bare black head and neck, Long, downcurved black bill, Black legs and feet, Black ornamental plumes on the back (especially in breeding adults)
Description
The African Sacred Ibis is a medium-sized wading bird characterized by its predominantly white plumage and distinctive bare black head and neck. It possesses a long, stout, downcurved black bill, which it uses to probe for food in various wetland and terrestrial environments. These birds are often seen foraging in groups.
