Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus)

Other Names (World)
Southern Bald Ibis, Bald Ibis

Family
Threskiornithidae (Ibises, Spoonbills)

Size
70 - 80 cm

First Described (Guide)
(Boddaert, 1783)

Habitat
Prefers sour and alpine grasslands, with an absence of trees, in high rainfal areas. Also lightly wooded, arid areas.

Range (Guide)

Lesotho (B), South Africa (B), Swaziland (B).

Restricted to highlands of south-eastern South Africa.

Population
Estimated population is 4,000 (2010) and decreasing.

Status VU
Habitat destruction and human interference with breeding colonies are the main threats.

For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.

Habits
Gregarious. Forages in flocks of up to 50.

Food
Insects and other terrestrial invertebrates.

Voice
A distinctive, high-pitched, turkey-like 'keeaaw-klaup-klaup'.

Xeno-Canto Sound Files

Southern Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus) [XC505526]
by id from Malolotja Nature Reserve, Hhohho Region, Swaziland (flight call)

Subspecies
Forms superspecies with Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita).

No subspecies.

Similar Species
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) which is smaller has a chestnut head.

References
See References.

Files:

JPG files for Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus) - 10 files

More Information

BirdLife International

For more information about the Bald Ibis see... Show Articles

BirdLife International Species Factsheet.

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