Sacred Ibis

Sacred Ibis - Ibis czczony
 

 

 Tanzania, 2014

 

Description

The distinctive African sacred ibis is characterized by its large size, primarily white plumage and conspicuous black head and neck, which lack feathers. One of the most prominent features of this bird is its long, black, down curved bill, which has a neck sac positioned underneath its lower surface and is used for probing into soft mud and sand in pursuit of prey. The male and female African sacred ibis are similar in appearance, although males are larger than females and frequently have a longer bill. The sacred ibis breeds in north from South Africa to Sudan and Niger. But is absent in may regions within Cameroon, Congo, Gabon and the Central African Republic. This species was formerly found in Egypt, although it is now thought to be regionally extinct there. Nomadic or migratory. Movements of several hundred kilometers to breed during rains; birds N of equator move northwards, those S of equator southwards, both returning at end of rains or early in dry season. 
 

Habitat

The African sacred ibis is found in a wide range of habitats, including freshwater wetlands, salt pans, dams, mangroves, rivers in open forested areas, and cultivated fields. Human environments are also inhabited by this species and it is frequently found around refuse dumps, abattoirs and farmyards. In Zambia, it has been recorded up to elevations of 1,800 meters.

Voice

    The vocalizations of the African sacred ibis are highly variable, with harsh croaking noises being made during flight and squeaking ‘whoot-whoot-whoot-whooeeoh’ or ‘pyuk-pyuk-peuk-peuk-pek-peuk’ calls made while individuals are on their breeding grounds. Vocalizations are also used by females to attract males and during copulation.

Sacred Ibis

Diet

    An opportunistic, mainly carnivorous feeder, the African sacred ibis takes a range of insects, worms, bird and reptile eggs, crustaceans, frogs, lizards, small mammals and carrion. It uses its long bill to probe into mud and soil to capture prey, as well as chasing moving prey with its wings half open. Certain populations forage around rubbish dumps and slurry pits, with some becoming reliant on these areas as a food source.

Reproduction

      The breeding season of the African sacred ibis differs geographically, but usually begins during or shortly after the rainy season. Large, mixed-species colonies are formed, which include between 50 and 2,000 breeding pairs. The male collects the nest materials and the female assembles the structure. The nest is a large platform of sticks and branches, which is lined with leaves and grass and placed in a tree, bush or on the ground. When nest materials are in short supply, males may attempt to steal objects from other individuals within the colony. Once the nest is complete, the female African sacred ibis then lays an average clutch of two or three eggs, which have a rough surface and are dull white with a blue or green tinge and red-brown spots. The male and female take turns to incubate the eggs, usually changing over every 24 hours. The incubation period lasts around 28 days, after which the nestlings are fed and cared for by both adults, with one finding food while the other remains at the nest. The nestlings eventually fledge the nest when they are between 35 and 40 days old. A fledgling will leave its colony when it is between 44 and 48 days old. The pair bond between the male and female African sacred ibis lasts for one breeding season.

 

 

Photos by others
 

 

www.templeilluminatus.com

 

ibc.lynxeds.com

 

galleryhip.com

Credits

www.Arkive.com