Hadada Ibis

More Information

Physical Description

Hadada ibises are large birds with brownish-gray plumage that displays an iridescent green sheen in sunlight. These birds hunt by dragging their long, curved bill in murky streams and grabbing any insect or small lizard they touch. Males provide nesting material, such as sticks and twigs, to females, who build their nest at the top of a tall tree or, in urban areas, a telephone pole. Both sexes participate in incubating eggs and feeding hatchlings.

Interesting Fact 1

Hadada ibises are the only known ibises to feast on fruits and vegetables.

Interesting Fact 2

Pairs prepare for breeding with mutual bows and courtship displays, which include offering sticks to one another, intertwining their necks, mutual preening, and shaking their head.

Interesting Fact 3

They were named for their distinctive call: a loud “ha-da-da” sound.