Hadeda Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash {Hagedashia hagedash } )

29 inches long

The Hadeda Ibis has a distinctively loud, penetrating and recognisable haa-haa-haa-de-dah call that is often heard when the birds are flying or when startled, hence the name, Hadeda.

Appears dull olive-gray at a distance, but closer metallic reflections on the back and wing coverts may be seen.

Usually found on open grasslands, savanna and wetlands, not near water. It is distributed through Africa south of the Sahara, along the eastern and southern moist strip. Does not frequent arid areas.

It occurs in small parties or flocks of up to 30 birds. Often congregate to roost on trees at a regular time, returning over the same route day after day.

Eat mainly earthworms but also take insects (crickets, locusts, beetles), snails, spiders and small reptiles.

Nests are platforms of sticks with a thin padding of grass placed in the branches of trees usually on the banks of streams or rivers (sometimes in telephone poles). Solitary breeders.

Photographed at Johannesburg Botanical Garden, Johannesburg, South Africa.