mostly white plumage; large decurved bill (South Africa; 2007-06-30)


Sacred Ibis
Threskiornis aethiopicus

Native Range: Africa

Notes: a large white wading ibis with a heavy decurved bill; in ancient Egypt, this species was venerated and specimens were even mummified to please or appease the gods (and hence the name sacred); wades in grassy fields as well as ponds in search of amphibians and other such food items.

pair; no sexual dimorphism (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
unfeathered black head and neck; black legs (South Africa; 2007-06-30)

legs and neck stretched out in flight (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
black feathers extend from the rump area (South Africa; 2007-06-30)