Northern Bald Ibis
1. Bird Name
The English name of this exciting avian species is the Northern Bald Ibis, and its scientific or Latin name is Geronticus eremita.
2. Appearance
The Northern Bald Ibis sports an outstanding appearance. It is predominantly black, with beautiful iridescent purplish-brown and greenish-bronze plumage. The feathers are long, loose, and glossy. Its bald crimson face and long, thin curved beak – like an archer’s bow – are the features that lend the bird its unique name. A rich chestnut coloration is found behind its eyes and neck, adding a beautiful contrast. Unlike many bird species, there are no stark differences in appearance between males and females.
3. Size
A Northern Bald Ibis averages 70-80 cm (27.5 to 31 inches) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 120-135 cm, which amounts to almost 47-53 inches. Typically, the bird weighs between 1.0 and 1.3 kilograms.
4. Habitat & Distribution
This bird prefers rocky habitats and can be found in semi-arid desert or barren, rocky landscapes – a trait that is somewhat rare among bird species. This bird is found in parts of Africa and occasionally in the Middle East. A small semi-wild colony exists in southern Turkey. The Northern Bald Ibis was once widespread across the Middle East, northern Africa, and southern Europe, but the population has considerably shrunk primarily due to habitat loss.
5. Interesting Facts
The Northern Bald Ibis is often referred to as a ‘living fossil’ due to its remarkable presence in Egyptian hieroglyphs dating back to 4500 BC. They migrate in a V-formation physiology, a fascinating spectacle to behold. This bird is monogamous, with pairs bonding for life.
6. Diet
The Ibis has a diverse diet consisting mainly of various insects, small reptiles, and even small-sized mammals.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Northern Bald Ibises favor ledges in steep cliffs for breeding and nesting, laying 2-3 eggs per season. Their unique curved bill assists them in foraging in soil and crevices. The Northern Bald Ibis is a social bird, often seen in flocks. Its sound, a raucous “haa-haa-haa” or “kraaaa”, is just as distinctive as its appearance.
8. Conservation Status
Unfortunately, the Northern Bald Ibis is critically endangered, according to the IUCN Red List. There has been a rapid and ongoing population decline due to habitat deterioration, human disturbance, and hunting.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, this bird can live up to 10-15 years, but in captivity, their lifespan extends to approximately 20-25 years.
10. Additional Notes
In Arabic, the Northern Bald Ibis is known as “Hajel” or “Abu Ghuttaf”, which means “the father of the bowl.” Interaction with humans is mostly limited to observation and conservation efforts, but they are known to be relatively comfortable around humans in areas where they are protected or used to their presence. Historically, they held a significant role in Egyptian culture and were venerated in ancient Egyptian religion. The Northern Bald Ibis is also the national bird of Jordan. Its migratory patterns and feeding behavior play a critical role in the ecosystem structure, nutrient cycling, and seed dispersal.
