Sacred ibis
Ibises are an ancient species with fossil records going back 60 million years.
The sacred Ibis is a distinctive large wading bird that measures 30 in. (75 cm) in length and weighs 3 lb.(1.35 kg). It has a wingspan of 44 to 49 in. (112 to 124 cm)
The plumage of the sacred ibis is mainly white in colour with black plumes on its lower back. Its small head and slender, curved neck are also black and practically bald. The sacred ibis has small black eyes and a long, slender, downward curved bill which is used to probe into sand and mud in shallow water or in grass and soil when foraging. The legs of the sacred ibis are long and black and its feet are partially webbed like most wading birds. When in flight, the wing tips of the primary flight feathers are black which display a black border to the rear of the white wings.
The sacred ibis thrives in large colonies near waterways throughout Africa. It inhabits wetlands such as marshes, swamps, riverbanks, flood plains and mud flats both coastal and inland, it is also known to visit pastures and ploughed land.
The sacred Ibis is an omnivorous scavenger that feeds up on insects including grasshoppers and locusts, insect larvae, amphibians and other small aquatic animals such as crustaceans, frogs, fish and small reptiles. They have also been known to eat eggs, carrion, snakes and other small birds. The sacred ibis will also use its long beak to probe into the soil for invertebrates such as earthworms.
The sacred ibis is a gregarious bird living, breeding and traveling in large flocks. It is generally found in groups of 2 to 20 individuals although they have been known to occasionally flock in larger groups of up to 300 birds.
When in flight, like most wading birds, ibises fly in a ‘V’ formation which reduces wind resistance for trailing birds. When the front ibis becomes tired, it falls to the back of the formation and another ibis takes its place at the front.
The sacred ibis nests in tree colonies and also on the ground in papyrus thickets or in bushes. They often nest with other wading birds such as herons. Their nests are generally untidy platforms of sticks and usually built in baobab trees.
The sacred ibis migrates over 450 miles north or south of the equator to breed during the rainy season. Breeding colonies contain between 50 to 2000 mating pairs nesting in bushes or on islands. The female lays around 2 to 5 eggs which are incubated for 28 to 29 days by both parents. Eggs are usually laid during the rainy season or in flooded areas during the dry season. Ibis chicks fledge around 39 to 45 days and become mature at 4 to 5 years old. The average life span of the sacred ibis is up to 20 years.
The sacred Ibis was once common in Egypt until 1850, where the ancient Egyptians believed it was the embodiment of ‘Thoth’ the God of Wisdom and master of time. Many ibis have been found mummified in tombs of pharaohs.
The conservation status of the sacred ibis is LC (least concern).
Sacred ibis
Ibises are an ancient species with fossil records going back 60 million years.
The sacred Ibis is a distinctive large wading bird that measures 30 in. (75 cm) in length and weighs 3 lb.(1.35 kg). It has a wingspan of 44 to 49 in. (112 to 124 cm)
The plumage of the sacred ibis is mainly white in colour with black plumes on its lower back. Its small head and slender, curved neck are also black and practically bald. The sacred ibis has small black eyes and a long, slender, downward curved bill which is used to probe into sand and mud in shallow water or in grass and soil when foraging. The legs of the sacred ibis are long and black and its feet are partially webbed like most wading birds. When in flight, the wing tips of the primary flight feathers are black which display a black border to the rear of the white wings.
The sacred ibis thrives in large colonies near waterways throughout Africa. It inhabits wetlands such as marshes, swamps, riverbanks, flood plains and mud flats both coastal and inland, it is also known to visit pastures and ploughed land.
The sacred Ibis is an omnivorous scavenger that feeds up on insects including grasshoppers and locusts, insect larvae, amphibians and other small aquatic animals such as crustaceans, frogs, fish and small reptiles. They have also been known to eat eggs, carrion, snakes and other small birds. The sacred ibis will also use its long beak to probe into the soil for invertebrates such as earthworms.
The sacred ibis is a gregarious bird living, breeding and traveling in large flocks. It is generally found in groups of 2 to 20 individuals although they have been known to occasionally flock in larger groups of up to 300 birds.
When in flight, like most wading birds, ibises fly in a ‘V’ formation which reduces wind resistance for trailing birds. When the front ibis becomes tired, it falls to the back of the formation and another ibis takes its place at the front.
The sacred ibis nests in tree colonies and also on the ground in papyrus thickets or in bushes. They often nest with other wading birds such as herons. Their nests are generally untidy platforms of sticks and usually built in baobab trees.
The sacred ibis migrates over 450 miles north or south of the equator to breed during the rainy season. Breeding colonies contain between 50 to 2000 mating pairs nesting in bushes or on islands. The female lays around 2 to 5 eggs which are incubated for 28 to 29 days by both parents. Eggs are usually laid during the rainy season or in flooded areas during the dry season. Ibis chicks fledge around 39 to 45 days and become mature at 4 to 5 years old. The average life span of the sacred ibis is up to 20 years.
The sacred Ibis was once common in Egypt until 1850, where the ancient Egyptians believed it was the embodiment of ‘Thoth’ the God of Wisdom and master of time. Many ibis have been found mummified in tombs of pharaohs.
The conservation status of the sacred ibis is LC (least concern).