Northern Bald Ibis

Geronticus eremita

The Northern Bald Ibis is a unique bird with a bald head and long, curved beak. They are social birds that love to live in groups and can often be found near wetlands searching for food.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Northern Bald Ibis has glossy black plumage with an iridescent green-purple sheen. Its head and face are unfeathered, wrinkled, and reddish-pink, topped with a shaggy feather crest on its nape. It sports a long, decurved, red bill.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyThreskiornithidaeGenusGeronticus

Northern Bald Ibis

Interesting facts

Ancient Egyptians considered these birds sacred, drawing them in hieroglyphs and art!

Its bald, wrinkled head helps this bird stay clean when digging deep for tasty underground snacks!

Scientists are teaching young birds migration routes using microlight aircraft for conservation!

These unique birds have existed for over 1.8 million years, making them truly ancient!

Special abilities

Northern Bald Ibis can nest on steep, inaccessible cliffs that helps them protect their young from predators.

Northern Bald Ibis has broad wings that helps them soar efficiently on thermals, saving energy during migration.

Northern Bald Ibis can probe deep into soil with its long, curved bill that helps them find hidden prey.

Measurements & details

Length: 70-80 cm
Wingspan: 120-135 cm
Weight: 1-1.8 kg
Lifespan: 10-25 years
Top Speed: 60 km/h
Clutch Size: 2-4
Incubation: 24-28 days
Migration Distance: 3000 km

Diet & Feeding

They use their long, curved bills to probe for insects, small reptiles, and other tasty treats in the soil.

Primary Foods

Beetles
Crickets
Lizards
Small snakes
Scorpions
Snails

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

Eagles can prey on ibis chicks and eggs.

eaten by

Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes

Foxes can raid nests for eggs and young birds.

hunts

Field Cricket

Gryllus campestris

Often probes soil to find and eat these insects.

hunts

Ocellated Lizard

Timon lepidus

Opportunistically hunts and consumes these reptiles.

Traits

Feathered

Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.

Social

Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.

Insectivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.