The African sacred ibis is a species of ibis, a wading bird of the family Threskiornithidae. It is native to much of Africa, as well as small parts of Iraq, Iran and Kuwait. It is especially known for its role in Ancient Egyptian religion, where it was linked to the god Thoth. The species is currently extirpated from Egypt.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa and the Nile Valley
Typical Environment
This ibis occupies a wide range of wetlands including river margins, floodplains, marshes, lakeshores, estuaries, and mangroves. It also uses irrigated fields, rice paddies, sewage works, and rubbish dumps, showing a strong tolerance for human-modified landscapes. Outside Africa it occurs locally in parts of the Middle East, especially around large marsh systems. Colonies are typically near shallow water and roost sites such as trees or reedbeds.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Revered in Ancient Egypt and linked to the god Thoth, the African sacred ibis was once abundant along the Nile but is now extirpated from Egypt. It is highly adaptable, forming large colonies near wetlands, farms, and even landfills. Some introduced and escapee populations have established in parts of Europe and the Middle East.
Observations of African sacred ibis 2015–2022.
Flying in South Africa
In the Venetian lagoon
Copenhagen Museum
Brooklyn Museum
Temperament
social and opportunistic
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats, often gliding and flying in V-formations
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies, often mixed with herons and egrets, nesting in trees, reeds, or on islands. Pairs are seasonally monogamous, and both parents share incubation and chick-rearing. Outside the breeding season it roosts communally and forages in loose flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet away from colonies, but at nesting sites it gives harsh grunts, croaks, and honking calls. Contact calls are guttural and rasping, often heard as birds arrive or depart roosts.
Plumage
Predominantly white body with glossy black scapular plumes; head and neck are bare and black.
Diet
Feeds on aquatic insects, crustaceans, mollusks, small fish, frogs, and worms, and will scavenge carrion and refuse. It also takes eggs and small vertebrates when available. The species probes mud and shallow water with its decurved bill and will pick prey from surfaces or vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in shallow freshwater or brackish wetlands, on exposed mudflats, and along receding shorelines. It readily exploits flooded fields, pasture, and waste sites near human settlements.
