AFRICAN SACRED IBIS CICONIIFORMES Family: Threskiornithidae Genus: Threskiornis Species: aethiopicus

Range: native to Sub-saharan Africa, introduced in Bahrain, France and Spain Habitat marshy wetlands and mud flats, both inland and on the coast Niche: Diurnal, carnivorous, terrestrial/aquatic Wild diet: fish, frogs, small mammals, reptiles and smaller birds as well as insects Zoo diet: Life Span: (Wild) 20+ years (Captivity) Sexual dimorphism: males are larger than females and frequently have a longer bill Location in SF Zoo: African Aviary

APPEARANCE & PHYSICAL ADAPTATIONS:

The sacred ibis is characterized by its large size. It has an all white body with a black, bald head and neck and some black plumes in the tail. It has a long, down-curved, black bill. The legs are long with partially webbed feet. The white wings show a black rear border in flight.

The downcurved bill is used for probing into soft mud and sand in pursuit of prey.

Weight: 3.4 lbs

Length: 25.6 - 35 in

Wingspan: 44.1 – 48.8 in

STATUS & CONSERVATION

The African sacred ibis is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, and is listed on Appendix III of CITES. Habitat destruction of nesting and feeding sites, poaching, and insecticide use such as DDT have all caused the decline of several ibis species. Because of their role in helping to control crop pests, they are very valuable to farmers. The sacred ibis is also of practical use to the villagers, making pools safe to bathe in by feeding on the water snails that carried the bilharzias liver parasite.

The sacred ibis, a symbol of ancient Egyptian culture, is now extinct in Egypt.

COMMUNICATION AND OTHER BEHAVIOR

Sacred ibis live in large colonies near waterways throughout Africa. Groups are usually between 2 and 20 individuals, although groups of up to 500 have been recorded. This bird is usually silent, but occasionally makes some croaking noises.

In flight, ibises form diagonal lines or v-formations. This formation decreases wind resistance for trailing birds. When the leader of the pack tires, it falls to the back of the formation and another ibis takes its place at the front

COURTSHIP AND YOUNG

The nest is a large platform of sticks and branches, which is lined with leaves and grass and placed in a tree, bush or on the ground. Nests are built in tree colonies, often with other large wading birds such as herons. The male collects the nest materials and the female assembles the structure.

The male and female take turns to incubate the eggs, usually changing over every 24 hours. They also share in the feeding of the chicks.

A fledgling will leave its colony when it is between 44 and 48 days old. The pair bond between the male and female African sacred ibis lasts for one breeding season.

Incubation: 28 days Sexual Maturity: 4 – 5 yrs

# of eggs: 2 - 3 Fledging: 35 – 40 days

MISCELLANEOUS

Ibises are an ancient species with fossil records going back 60 million years. The African sacred ibis has three recognized subspecies.

In ancient Egyptian societies, the sacred ibis was worshipped as the god Thoth, god of wisdom, knowledge and writing, and was supposed to preserve the country from plagues and serpents. They are depicted in many ancient Egyptian wall murals and sculptures. The birds were often mummified and then buried with pharaohs.

Sources: created 3/2017 Handbook of Birds of the World, Vol 1 © 1992 Lynx Edicions, Princeton Encyclopedia of Birds © 2009, Princeton University Press http://www.arkive.org/african-sacred-ibis/threskiornis-aethiopicus/ https://seaworld.org/Animal-Info/Animal-Bytes/Birds/Sacred-Ibis http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22697510/0