Hadada Ibis

The Hadada Ibis is a large, noisy bird found across sub-Saharan Africa, easily recognized by its loud “haa-haa-haa-de-dah” call, which gives the bird its name. It has a mostly dull brownish-grey body, but in the right light, its wings shine with an iridescent green or violet sheen. Its long, curved bill is perfectly adapted for probing the ground in search of food.

Hadada Ibises are common in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, urban parks, and gardens. They’ve adapted well to human-altered environments and are often seen foraging on lawns and sports fields, where they dig for insects, worms, and small invertebrates.

These birds are typically seen in pairs or small groups and are known for their loud vocalizations, especially when flying. Despite their size and strong flight, they prefer to roost in trees rather than on the ground. Nesting usually occurs high in trees, where they build messy stick nests and raise 2–3 chicks.

Their population is stable, and they are widespread across their range. Because of their adaptability and lack of natural threats in many areas, the Hadada Ibis is not considered threatened or endangered.