African Sacred Ibis
Threskiornis aethiopicus
Aves › Pelecaniformes › Threskiornithidae › Threskiornis
Conservation status: least_concern
This wading bird is a species of ibis. It feeds on a diet consisting of mainly insects, worms, crustaceans, molluscs and other invertebrates, as well as various fish, frogs, reptiles, small mammals and carrion.
How To Identify
The adult ibis features predominantly white plumage with soft gray markings on the wings, contrasting sharply with its vibrant red bill and long, sturdy legs.
Habitat
It inhabits wetlands, marshes, riverbanks, and shallow water bodies across sub-Saharan Africa, preferring areas with emergent vegetation and mudflats.
Behaviour
African Sacred Ibis probe shallow water and mud with their long curved bills to search for prey, often feeding in small flocks that roost communally in trees at night.
Native Range
The African Sacred Ibis is native to much of Africa, as well as small parts of Iraq, Iran, and Kuwait.
Did You Know?
The African Sacred Ibis was revered by ancient Egyptians and mummified by the thousands, with some estimates suggesting over a million mummies were created. It was associated with the god Thoth, patron of wisdom and writing.
Create a free account to log your sightings of the African Sacred Ibis, see where it has been recorded near you and build your Wild List.
Privacy · Terms · Impressum · Credits · About the beta