Hadeda Ibis

Description:

a relatively large (76 - 89 cms length) bird usually seen in small groups of 10 to 20. This Ibis can appear a dull dark colour in bad light but at close range in the sunshine it shows an iridescent pink, green and bronze gloss on its back and wings. The bill, which has a red ridge on the upper mandible, is typically long and curved as is characteristic of Ibises

Habitat:

In Botswana this species is confined to the wetlands in the far north and also the eastern fringe of the country although further south it is common and widespread throughout South Africa. Away from natural water sources, the Hadeda is often associated with manure heaps and sewerage lagoons

Notes:

The name Hadeda reflects the characteristic call which the birds utter, especially as they fly up if disturbed.