The southern bald ibis is a large bird found in open grassland or semi-desert in the mountains of southern Africa. Taxonomically, it is most closely related to its counterpart in the northern regions of Africa, the waldrapp. As a species, it has a very restricted homerange, limited to the southern tips of South Africa in highland and mountainous regions.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in the highlands of eastern South Africa and Lesotho, with smaller populations extending into Eswatini. It favors open montane and highland grasslands, pastures, and cultivated lands, typically within commuting distance of secure cliff roosts and nesting sites. Birds readily exploit recently burned veld and areas grazed by livestock where prey is easier to locate. It avoids dense forests and very arid lowlands but will use valley bottoms and agricultural margins near cliffs.
Altitude Range
1000–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This colonial cliff-nesting ibis is restricted to the highland grasslands of southern Africa and often forages on recently burned fields and short-grazed pastures. It is sensitive to disturbance at breeding colonies and threatened by grassland conversion and powerline collisions. Conservation actions focus on protecting nesting cliffs and maintaining open foraging habitats.
A close-up of the head, Pretoria Zoo
Southern bald ibis in a nest with young
Temperament
social and wary near colonies
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Breeds colonially on inaccessible cliff ledges, where pairs nest close together and reuse traditional sites annually. Pairs are largely monogamous and both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing. Outside the breeding season, they forage in loose groups and roost communally on cliffs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet away from colonies, but at nest sites gives gruff croaks and guttural grunts. Alarm calls are harsh, carrying well across cliffs and valleys.
Plumage
Glossy black to blackish-green body with an iridescent green and purplish sheen; head and upper face unfeathered.
Diet
Feeds mainly on invertebrates such as beetles, grasshoppers, termites, caterpillars, and earthworms, which it probes from soil and turf. It also takes small amphibians and reptiles when available. Recently burned fields and livestock-grazed areas provide concentrated prey and easier probing.
Preferred Environment
Short-grass pasture, cultivated fields, and burned grassland near cliff roosts and nesting sites. Often forages in damp ground, along seep lines, and on valley bottoms where soil is soft.
