Hadada Ibis also known as Bostrychia hagedash is recorded as one of the common birds explored while on birding safaris in Uganda and sub-Saharan Africa.
Hadada Ibis is large bird species with a length of 76cm and features a grey to brown colour as always viewed by travellers on Uganda birding safaris. It is marked with horizontal like narrow stripes around its cheeks also called Moustache but doesn’t stretch to the corners of its mouth.
The purple sheen plumage is visible on its wings while the blackish color is visible on the legs. The bill of Hadada Ibis is marked by gray to black colouring while the upper mandible has a red stripe. Its broad and powerful wings facilitate the quick take offs and through the dense tree cover. This gigantic structure makes it a common sight while on Uganda birding tour.
The Hadada ibis bird species derive its naming from its loud call “haa-haa-haa-de-dah” which is normally made during flight, challenging situations or for social communication. While foraging or roosting, a single haaa is always heard. Its loud sound makes it easily spotted by birders on Africa safari in Uganda.
Hadada Ibis mainly consumes earth worms got from soft soil, lizards, larger insects and spiders. It also feeds on moth larvae and beetles which explains their common presence at green fields.
The habitat of Hadada ibis is mainly wetlands, open grassland and savannah woodland. It is widely spread across the sub Saharan Africa and besides wilderness areas; it can as well thrive in peri-urban environment, expanse gardens and school fields. Other Africa safari tour countries with Hadada ibis include; Kenya, Burundi, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Sudan, Senegal, Gambia, Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana and Somalia.
Regarding conservation, the Hadada ibis is listed as species of Least Concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
