Southern bald ibis

The Southern Bald Ibis is a striking bird native to the mountainous regions of southern Africa, particularly the southern extremities of South Africa. This glossy, blue-black bird with a distinctive red face and head is closely related to the Northern Bald Ibis.

Renowned for their social nature, these birds frequently form large groups. They breed in colonies on cliffs and have a varied diet comprising insects, small reptiles, rodents, and even small birds. Despite their gregarious behavior, they are not particularly vocal.

Belonging to the family Threskiornithidae, the Southern Bald Ibis shares a distinctive lack of feathers on its face with other family members. This bird is part of the Threskiornithinae subfamily, which includes 26 species of wading birds known for their distinctive down-curved beaks. Fossil records indicate that ibises have been around since the Eocene period.

The Southern Bald Ibis boasts dark green plumage with iridescent streaks and a featherless, wrinkled head and face. It is endemic to the highlands of southern Africa, with an estimated breeding population of approximately 4,600 birds. These birds forage in burnt grasslands and prefer to breed on cliffs in mountainous areas.

Regrettably, the Southern Bald Ibis is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The primary threats to their survival include human disturbance at breeding sites and habitat degradation. Conservation efforts are essential to protect this unique species from further decline.