Bird Guide

African Sacred Ibis vs Black-headed Ibis

African Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus)

African Sacred Ibis

Threskiornis aethiopicus

Large1.5 kgWetland

An adult individual is 68 cm (27 in) long with all-white body plumage apart from dark plumes on the rump. Wingspan is 112 to 124 cm (44 to 49 in) and body weight 1.35 to 1.5 kg (3.0 to 3.3 lb). Males are generally slightly larger than females. The bald head and neck, thick curved bill and legs are black. The white wings show a black rear border in flight. The eyes are brown with a dark red orbital ring. Sexes are similar, but juveniles have dirty white plumage, a smaller bill and some feathering on the neck, greenish-brown scapulars and more black on the primary coverts.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Hobbyfotowiki · CC0
Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus)

Black-headed Ibis

Threskiornis melanocephalus

Large1.3 kgWetland

The black-headed ibis is one of several large waterbird species in south and south-east Asia, with adults measuring 65–76 cm in length. The white plumage is starkly contrasted against a conspicuous naked black neck and head, and black down-curved beak. Tails of adults bear light grey ornamental feathers that turn jet black during the breeding season. During the breeding season, bare patches under the wing turn blood-red. The head of some breeding adults gain a blueish tinge, or very rarely have a pink or bright red patch behind the neck.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Suhas Saya · CC BY 4.0

Where you might meet both

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: African Sacred Ibis and Black-headed Ibis.