Copyright 2003 - 2017 by Hans Kristoffersen/Mwanza Guide ‘Destinations
in Tanzania Ltd. P.O. Box 5204 Mwanza, Tanzania. All rights reserved.
African Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis
aethiopicus)
The African Sacred Ibis occurs in marshy wetlands and mud flats, both inland
and on the coast. It will also visit cultivation and rubbish dumps. It feeds
on various fish, frogs, small mammals, reptiles and smaller birds as well
as insects.
An adult individual is 68 cm long with all-white body plumage apart from dark
plumes on the rump. The bald head and neck, thick curved bill and legs are
black. The white wings show a black rear border in flight. Sexes are similar,
but juveniles have dirty white plumage, a smaller bill and some feathering
on the neck.