Ngorongoro Crater Sacred Ibis

With Wildebeests.
The Sacred Ibis is a distinctive large wading bird that measures 75 centimetres (30 inches) in length and weighs 1.35 kilograms (3 pounds). It has a wingspan of 112 – 124 centimetres (44 – 49 inches).

The plumage of the sacred ibis is mainly white in colour with black plumes on its lower back. Its small head and slender, curved neck are also black and practically bald. The sacred ibis has small black eyes and a long, slender, downward curved bill which is used to probe into sand and mud in shallow water or in grass and soil when foraging.

The legs of the sacred ibis are long and black and its feet are partially webbed like most wading birds. When in flight, the wing tips of the primary flight feathers are black which display a black border to the rear of the white wings.Read more