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Overview
Olive ibis

Olive ibis

Wikipedia

The olive ibis is a species of ibis native to dense tropical forests in central Africa. Between 65 and 75 cm in length, it is a small ibis with olive plumage displaying an iridescent sheen. Four subspecies are recognized.

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Distribution

Region

West and Central Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs patchily from Upper Guinean rainforests through the Lower Guinean and Congolian forests, extending into parts of the Albertine Rift. It inhabits primary and mature secondary evergreen forest, often near streams, swampy glades, and forested river margins. The species also ventures into forest clearings and along logging tracks to forage but avoids open country. Local presence can be overlooked due to its secretive nature and preference for dense understory.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2400 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size65–75 cm
Wing Span95–110 cm
Male Weight0.75 kg
Female Weight0.7 kg
Life Expectancy15 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A shy forest ibis of West and Central Africa, the olive ibis is smaller than many ibises and cloaked in olive-brown plumage with a bronze-green sheen. It frequents dense evergreen forests and is most often detected by its harsh, grating calls at dawn and dusk. Four subspecies are recognized, spanning lowland rainforests to montane belts in the Albertine Rift.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
Illustration of an adult bird of the nominate subspecies – a native of the Upper Guinean forests

Illustration of an adult bird of the nominate subspecies – a native of the Upper Guinean forests

Behaviour

Temperament

shy and secretive

Flight Pattern

strong flier with steady, direct wingbeats; flies low over the canopy or along river corridors

Social Behavior

Typically seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Nests are platform-like structures of sticks placed in trees over water or in dense forest. Breeding pairs are territorial around nest sites and may call frequently at dawn and dusk. Clutch size is small, and both sexes likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are rough, grating croaks and harsh nasal calls that can carry through forest at twilight. Calls often come in short series, given from concealed perches or during brief flights. Daytime is usually quiet aside from sporadic grunts.

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