Sacred ibis

About This Project

A revered bird

This bird was venerated by the Ancient Egyptians because it symbolised Thoth, god of science, writing and knowledge. A robust looking bird, it has characteristic black and white plumage and a long, curved bill. Mainly found in wetland areas, it can also be seen on arable land, farms and even in villages! In France, some individuals have escaped from captivity and colonised the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. Its numbers have grown there, threatening the local flora and fauna…

At La Barben, the sacred ibis are in the vulture’aviary!

Latin name: Threskiornis aethiopicus
Class: Aves
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Threskiornithidae
Size: 65 – 75 cm wingspan 112 – 124 cm
Weight: 1.25 – 1.5 kg
Lifespan: 20 years
Incubation: 28 days
Number of eggs: 2 – 4
Habitat: swamp
Diet: insects
Distribution: sub-Saharan Africa, western Madagascar, south-eastern Iraq.
Conservation status: not at risk

Category
Aves