24 January 2013

Ibis - the Rare and Not so Rare

The ibis is a group of wading birds with long legs and long curved bills. They generally feed in groups, using their bills to hunt out crustaceans in the mud and sand. They usually nest in trees overhanging or near water.

The Northern Bald Ibis (also known as the Hermit Ibis or Waldrapp) has an interesting history and was revered in ancient Egypt. Unlike most other species of Ibis, it is non-wading. It has an unfeathered red face and head, and a long, curved red bill. The native populations of the northern bald ibis are declining and there are a number of strategies around the world currently being trialled to increase their numbers in the wild.

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