A species steeped in history and mythology, particularly within the context of ancient Egypt, where it was venerated and often associated with Thoth, the deity of wisdom and writing. Despite its sacred status in ancient times, this reverence led to mass exploitation, where countless ibises were mummified and offered as votive sacrifices.
Beyond its historical significance, the African Sacred Ibis is a visually striking bird with a contrasting plumage of gleaming white body feathers and black wing and tail feathers. Its long, down-curved, black bill is not just a symbol of beauty but a highly effective tool for foraging in its preferred habitats of marshy wetlands, mudflats, and the shores of lakes and rivers. It uses this bill to probe into the substrate, searching for a diet that includes various insects, small fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and other small creatures.
This species of ibis nests in large colonies, often alongside other waterbirds. Their nests are typically constructed from a collection of sticks and placed in trees or bushes, sometimes even on buildings and other structures. Their breeding grounds are characterized by a cacophony of sound, with their distinctive croaking calls resonating through the air.
While the African Sacred Ibis is generally silent outside of breeding colonies, it is a highly social bird that communicates with its mates and offspring through a complex series of vocalizations and behaviors. The communal living of these birds during the breeding season creates a bustling environment where the sharing of space and resources is essential for the survival of their young.
Today, the African Sacred Ibis is no longer found in Egypt, with its population in its native habitats across Sub-Saharan Africa facing various threats, including habitat destruction and degradation. Their range has expanded beyond its historical confines due to both intentional and accidental introductions in various parts of the world, including Europe, where they have established feral populations.
Distribution
Angola
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
Comoros
Congo-Brazzaville
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Djibouti
Egypt
Official estimate
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Eswatini
Ethiopia
France
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Iran
Iraq
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kuwait
Lesotho
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mozambique
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Oman
Rwanda
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Spain
Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
Uganda
Yemen
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
African sacred ibis on banknotes
