It is as South African as boerewors and pap. Its call is as familiar and annoying as the hooting and tooting of minibus taxis during peak traffic.
This bird’s ability to wake people up on a Sunday morning is envied even by the most dedicated roosters in the country. Yes, it is our beloved Hadada Ibis or Bostrychia hagedash, for the fancy people.
The Hadeda Ibis is a species of ibis found in sub-Saharan Africa. Here are seven facts about it:
- Appearance: Hadada Ibises are large birds, with an average length of 76-86 cm (30-34 inches) and a wingspan of 96-100 cm (38-39 inches). They are characterized by their striking plumage, which includes iridescent dark feathers with metallic green, purple, and bronze hues. Their legs and beaks are long and grey, and they have a distinctive crest of feathers on their heads.
- Habitat: Hadada Ibises are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands. They can also adapt to urban environments and are often seen in gardens and parks.
- Vocalizations: These birds are known for their loud and distinctive calls, which sound like “hadada” or “hah-ha-hadada.” Their vocalizations are particularly prominent in the early morning and can be quite noisy, making them a familiar sound in many African cities and towns.
- Feeding: Hadada Ibises are omnivorous, feeding on a diet that includes insects, small invertebrates, frogs, and even small rodents. They use their long, curved beaks to probe the soil and catch prey. They are also known to forage in open grassy areas for food.
- Breeding: Hadada Ibises usually breed during the rainy season. They build large, shallow nests in trees or on cliffs, using sticks and grass. The female typically lays 2-4 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks.
- Range: Hadada Ibises are native to sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east and down to South Africa in the south. They are widely distributed and have adapted to various environments across their range.
- Conservation status: Hadada Ibises are not currently listed as a threatened species. They are relatively common and have adapted well to human-altered landscapes. However, like many bird species, they may face threats from habitat loss and degradation in the future, particularly in regions where wetlands are being drained for development.
These are some key facts about the Hadada Ibis, a distinctive and charismatic bird found in various parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
