Southern Bald Ibis
Geronticus calvus
The Southern Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus) is a rare ibises and spoonbill found in 3 countries, weighing about 1.8 kg. The southern bald ibis is a large bird found in open grassland or semi-desert in the mountains of southern Africa.
About the Southern Bald Ibis
The southern bald ibis is a large bird found in open grassland or semi-desert in the mountains of southern Africa. Taxonomically, it is most closely related to its counterpart in the northern regions of Africa, the waldrapp. As a species, it has a very restricted homerange, limited to the southern tips of South Africa in highland and mountainous regions.
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How to identify it
The southern bald ibis (Geronticus calvus) is an uncommon bird endemic to the highlands of the southern African region. In South Africa, the species' total breeding population was estimated around 4,600 birds. As of 2020s, the total population is estimated between 6,500 and 8,000, with the breeding population between 1,600 and 2,000 birds. However, little is known about the biology of this species. Its plumage is dark green with iridescent streaks of green, violet and bronze. The neck displays long feathers that are a blue-green shade. As adults, its shoulders display shades of copper. Voice: The southern bald ibis is known to be a relatively quiet bird. This species in particular has been noted to make a weak gobbling sound. This is refers back to their old Afrikaans name of "Wilde-Kalkoen", otherwise translated as "wild turkey". This bird is most boisterous in the nesting areas and in flight. It projects a high-pitched keeaaw-klaup-klaup call, resembling that of a turkey's.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Southern Bald Ibis can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Southern Bald Ibis?
- The southern bald ibis (Geronticus calvus) is an uncommon bird endemic to the highlands of the southern African region. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Southern Bald Ibis?
- The Southern Bald Ibis is a huge sized bird weighing about 1.8 kg.
- Where can you see a Southern Bald Ibis?
- The Southern Bald Ibis occurs in 3 countries, including South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini.
- What birds look similar to a Southern Bald Ibis?
- The Southern Bald Ibis is most easily confused with the Northern Bald Ibis.
- Is the Southern Bald Ibis endangered?
- The Southern Bald Ibis is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Southern Bald Ibis for real
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