A black-headed ibis stands on a rock, its long, curved beak pointing forward, with white feathers and dark tail against a grassy background.

Sacred Ibis

We looked after two sacred ibis here at Paignton Zoo.

Sacred IbisThreskiornis aethiopicus

  • Class:

    Aves

  • Order:

    Pelecaniformes

  • Family:

    Threskiornithidae

About the sacred ibis

The sacred ibis is native to wetlands and floodplains across much of Africa, including countries in sub-Saharan Africa such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Africa, as well as parts of North Africa, including Egypt. It feeds on invertebrates, small vertebrates, and carrion in marshes and farmland near water.

Historically revered in ancient Egypt, this species remains widespread across Africa.

Conservation

The species is classified as Least Concern, although wetland change and persecution in some regions of Africa affect local populations.