Sacred Ibis - Definition

The Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) is a species of wading bird of the ibis family, Threskiornithidae, which breeds in sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar and southern Arabia. It has also been introduced into France.

It nests in tree colonies, often with other large wading birds such as herons. It builds a stick nest and lays 2-3 eggs. The Sacred Ibis also roosts colonially in trees, often a Baobab.

The Sacred Ibis occurs in marshy wetlands and muflats, both inland and on the coast. It will also visit cultivation and rubbish dumps. It feeds on various fish, frogs and other water creatures, as well as insects.

The adult Sacred Ibis is 68 cm long with all-white body plumage apart from dark plumes on the rump. The bald head and neck, thick curved bill and legs are black. The white wings show a black rear border in flight. Sexes are similar, but juveniles have dirty white plumage, a smaller bill and some feathering on the neck

This bird is usually silent, but occasionally makes some croaking noises.

References

• Barlow, Wacher and Disley, Birds of The Gambia. ISBN 1-873403-32-1