Southern Bald Ibis

The Southern Bald Ibis, Geronticus calvus, is a striking bird endemic to the highlands of southern Africa. This large, glossy ibis is adorned with iridescent plumage of blue-black, with hints of green, violet, and bronze. The species is distinguished by its unfeathered red face and head, reminiscent of a "bald, old man," and a long, decurved red bill. The neck is graced with elongated feathers of a blue-green hue, while adults boast coppery shoulders. Juveniles, however, present a more subdued grey plumage.

Identification Tips

To identify the Southern Bald Ibis, look for its bare, wrinkled head with a prominent red, dome-shaped crown. The bird's down-curved, red bill and legs, along with orange-red eyes, are key features. Adult plumage shimmers with iridescent streaks, while juveniles are more uniformly grey.

Habitat

This species favors mountainous grasslands, known as 'sour' for their low nutritional value, at altitudes between 1,200 and 2,000 meters. They are cliff-nesters, breeding on open ledges of mountain faces, river gorges, and occasionally near waterfalls.

Distribution

The Southern Bald Ibis has a very restricted range, primarily confined to the eastern regions of South Africa, extending into the highlands of Lesotho and Eswatini. The total breeding population in South Africa is estimated at around 4,600 birds.

Behaviour

These ibises are gregarious, feeding and roosting in substantial groups, sometimes numbering up to 100 individuals. They are known to travel together to foraging areas and exhibit a fast-walk feeding technique.

Song & Calls

The Southern Bald Ibis is relatively quiet, occasionally emitting a weak gobbling sound. In flight and near nesting areas, it may produce a high-pitched keeaaw-klaup-klaup call, reminiscent of a turkey.

Breeding

Breeding occurs predominantly in colonies on cliff ledges, with females laying eggs from late July to mid-October. The nests, constructed from sticks and grass, host eggs that incubate for 26 to 32 days. Chicks fledge after 40 to 50 days but remain near the nest for some time.

Similar Species

The Southern Bald Ibis can be confused with other ibis species, but its unfeathered red face and head, along with its cliff-nesting habit, set it apart.

Diet and Feeding

An insectivorous bird, the Southern Bald Ibis forages in burnt grasslands, harvested maize fields, and overgrazed pastures. Its diet includes caterpillars, grasshoppers, beetles, earthworms, snails, and occasionally small vertebrates.

Conservation status

Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, the Southern Bald Ibis faces threats from human disturbance and habitat degradation. While not in immediate danger of extinction, conservation efforts are crucial, particularly on privately owned lands where most breeding sites are located.