Size: Weight; 1.5kg. Height; 90cm. Length; 65-75cm. Wingspan; 30-50cm.

Habitat and Distribution: Found in a wide range of inland habitats from lakes, rivers and wetlands to cultivated areas in sub-Saharan Africa up to South-east Iraq. Has also been introduced into France, Italy, Spain, the USA and Australia.

Age: 20 years on average but a specimen in captivity once lived for 37 years.

Groups and Breeding: Groups and breeding: These birds are gregarious by nature and gather in large flocks. Nests are built by both the male and female using small branches and sticks lined with grasses at the top of trees in scrub and even amongst rocks. Two to three eggs are usually laid and are incubated for 28 days. Both the male and female take turns in guarding the nest site until the chicks are large enough to defend themselves. In addition, both parents help feed the chicks.

Diet: Fish, frogs, birds, eggs and insects.

• The Sacred Ibis was once found and venerated in ancient Egypt and often mummified as a representation of the god Thoth. It was thought to protect the country from plagues and serpents.
• In Australia, this bird is known as ‘inh adn alhungand’ by Aborigine tribes, which means ‘the bird with the burnt ass’ because of its black tail feathers.
• The introduced populations in southern Europe are seen as a potential problem, as these large predators can devastate breeding colonies of species such as terns and often compete for nest sites with Cattle Egrets and Little Egrets.
• Colonies of Sacred Ibis are often found nesting with other large wading birds such as herons.
• This bird was found in Italy as early as the 19th century when birds occasionally escaped from captivity. However, it was not until the late 20th century when these birds became common in southern Europe, having escaped from free-flying aviaries in zoos.
• Ibis are an ancient species, dating back to 60 million years ago in fossil records.