The hadada ibis or hadeda is an ibis native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It is named for its loud three to four note calls uttered in flight especially in the mornings and evenings when they fly out or return to their roost trees. Although not as dependent on water as some ibises, they are found near wetlands and often live in close proximity to humans, foraging in cultivated land and gardens. A medium-sized ibis with stout legs and a typical down-curved bill, the wing coverts are iridescent with a green or purple sheen. They are non-migratory but are known to make nomadic movements in response to rain particularly during droughts. Their ranges in southern Africa have increased with an increase in tree cover and irrigation in human-altered habitats.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from savannas and open woodlands to wetlands, parks, and suburban areas. It frequents edges of rivers, dams, and marshes but is not strictly tied to open water. Human-altered habitats with irrigated lawns and moist soils have facilitated range expansion, especially in southern Africa. Roosts communally in tall trees and uses scattered trees for nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3200 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Famous for its loud, onomatopoeic haa-haa-haa-de-dah call, the hadada ibis is a familiar dawn and dusk sound across much of Sub-Saharan Africa. It has adapted well to human-modified landscapes, often foraging on irrigated lawns, golf courses, and gardens. Its long, down-curved bill is equipped with sensory pits that help locate earthworms and grubs beneath the soil. Iridescent green-purple sheen on the wing coverts is most visible in good light.
![The nominate subspecies has a dark eye and paler grey head and neck[10] than the northern subspecies. It also has pink (green from certain angles) wing covert plumage, and a less distinct white cheek stripe. Its wings and bill are also shorter.[10]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Hadada_Ibis_Kruger_South_Africa%2C_crop.jpg/1280px-Hadada_Ibis_Kruger_South_Africa%2C_crop.jpg)
The nominate subspecies has a dark eye and paler grey head and neck[10] than the northern subspecies. It also has pink (green from certain angles) wing covert plumage, and a less distinct white cheek stripe. Its wings and bill are also shorter.[10]
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats; neck extended
Social Behavior
Often seen in small groups, foraging together on lawns and fields and roosting communally in trees. Forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season and nests in trees, typically with 2–3 eggs. Both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Distinctive, loud haa-haa-haa-de-dah calls, most frequent at dawn and dusk and when taking flight. Also produces grunts and croaks at close range around nests and roosts.
