Hadada Ibis

Hadada Ibis

Do you ha-ha-hear that? We are home to males ‘Barney’ and ‘Fred’, and females ‘Wilma’, ‘Dino’, and ‘Bam Bam’.

The call that earned them a name

Hadada ibis are known for their distinctive “ha-da-da, ha-da-da, ha-da-da” call. They can be found at the intersection of grasslands and wetlands, foraging during the day in mud and shallow water. As tactile feeders, they rely more on touch than any other sense to find prey, and the use of their beaks helps aerate the soil.

 

  • IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (at relatively low risk of extinction)
  • Type: Bird
  • Habitat: Wetlands, moist grasslands, and marshes throughout sub-Saharan Africa
  • Diet: Carnivore – worms, crustaceans, and small reptiles
  • Size: 63.5 to 73.6 centimetres long
  • Weight: 1.2 kilograms
Hadada Ibis Hadada Ibis Hadada Ibis
Hadada Ibis

Care & Conservation

How we care for them

At the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, we are bringing together our passion for plants and animals with our dedication to taking and inspiring action to sustain wildlife and wild places.
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facts about our animals

Fun Facts about Hadada Ibis

Males provide nesting materials such as twigs to females.

Both males and females incubate eggs and care for young.

This is the only ibis species known to eat fruits and vegetables, but it is mainly carnivorous.

Their courtship ritual involves giving sticks to each other.

It is distinguished by its white mustache under its bill.

Hadada ibis are monogamous.

Hadada Ibis

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