A striking bird that looks both ancient and oddly modern at the same time. It lives mainly in southern Africa, often in open grasslands, rocky slopes, and areas where it can walk and forage on the ground. Its most noticeable features are right in its name: it has a bare, bald-looking head and face, usually reddish, which contrasts sharply with its dark, glossy feathers. The body feathers can show an oily shine that shifts in the light, and the wings are broad and strong for steady flight. It also has a long, down-curved bill that looks perfectly designed for probing into soil and grass for hidden food.

What makes the southern bald ibis different from many other ibises is its preference for drier, more open habitats. When people think of ibises, they often imagine wetland birds wading in shallow water. This ibis, however, is more of a grassland walker. It spends much of its day striding through short grass, using its long bill to search for insects, worms, small reptiles, and other small creatures living under the surface. It can also forage in recently burned areas or grazed fields, where the ground is more exposed, making food easier to find.

The southern bald ibis is also known for its social behavior. It often feeds in groups, and these groups can look like a coordinated team spread out across a hillside, each bird working its own patch while keeping an eye on the others. In flight, the flock can be impressive—long necks stretched forward, legs trailing behind, and wings beating in slow, powerful strokes. Their calls are loud and distinctive, often described as harsh, brassy, or honking, which adds to their bold presence in open landscapes. They can be wary of people, but in some areas, they have learned to live near farms or human settlements, especially where food is easier to find.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Eswatini

2024

Lesotho

2024

South Africa

2024