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The hadada ibis or hadeda is an ibis native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It is named for its loud three to four note calls uttered in flight especially in the mornings and evenings when they fly out or return to their roost trees. Although not as dependent on water as some ibises, they are found near wetlands and often live in close proximity to humans, foraging in cultivated land and gardens. A medium-sized ibis with stout legs and a typical down-curved bill, the wing coverts are iridescent with a green or purple sheen. They are non-migratory but are known to make nomadic movements in response to rain particularly during droughts. Their ranges in southern Africa have increased with an increase…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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The hadada is a large (about 76 cm (30 in) long), grey-to-partly brown species of ibis. Adults have a mean body mass of 1.2 kilograms (2.65 lbs.). Males and females are alike in plumage. It has a narrow, white, roughly horizontal stripe across its cheeks. This is sometimes called the "moustache" though it does not reach the mouth corners. The plumage over the wings has an iridescent purple sheen produced by optical microstructures within the feathers.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Hadada Ibis lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Belgium.
When to see the Hadada Ibis
Peak activity in October · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Wattled IbisBostrychia carunculataThe Wattled ibis is a medium-sized, dark brown, crested bird, distinguished by the combination of its dark color, its creast and its extensive white wing-patch.
Olive IbisBostrychia olivaceaThis relatively small ibis measures 65–75 cm in length, depending on subspecies.
Spot-breasted IbisBostrychia raraThe spot-breasted ibis is a small, dark ibis (around 47 cm (19 in)), with long legs and a long red bill.
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