African Sacred Ibis
Image: Marike (cc-by-nc)
NameAfrican Sacred Ibis
Common NameAfrican Sacred Ibis
Scientific NameThreskiornis aethiopicus
FamilyThreskiornithidae
Wingspan (cm)112
Length (cm)68
Weight (g)1300
Plumage DetailsAdults have a white body with black primary and secondary flight feathers, visible as black tips on the wings when folded or in flight. The head and neck are bare and black, as are the legs and the long, decurved bill. Some individuals may show ornamental black plumes on the back during breeding season.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a silent bird, but can produce a variety of grunting, croaking, and squealing calls, especially when disturbed or at breeding colonies.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, floodplains, grasslands, cultivated fields, coastal lagoons, estuaries
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Middle East. Historically present in Egypt. Introduced populations exist in parts of Europe (e.g., France, Italy, Spain) and other regions.
Identifying Featuresbare black head and neck, long, decurved black bill, predominantly white body plumage, black primary and secondary flight feathers, black legs
Description
The African Sacred Ibis is a large wading bird characterized by its predominantly white plumage, bare black head and neck, and long, decurved black bill. It is often found foraging in wetlands, grasslands, and cultivated fields, typically in groups.
