Northern Bald Ibis

Also known as waldrapp, waldrapp ibis, Geronticus eremita, hermit ibis, Hermit ibis

species of bird

AI overview

The Northern Bald Ibis is a large wading bird recognizable by its distinctive bald head and long, curved bill, native to the Middle East and North Africa. It matters because the species is critically endangered and serves as an important indicator of the health of arid and semi-arid ecosystems where it lives.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Species

Endangered

Maximum longevity: 32.9 years (captivity) Observations: One specimen lived for 32.9 years in captivity (Brouwer et al. 1994).

via IUCN

Wikidata facts

Image: Northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita).jpg

Sources (4)

via Wikidata · CC0

Article

The northern bald ibis, hermit ibis, or Waldrapp (Geronticus eremita) is a migratory Old World ibis found in open areas such as grasslands, rocky mountains, and semi-deserts, often close to running water. This 70–80 cm (28–31 in) glossy black ibis, which, unlike many members of the ibis family, is non-wading, has an unfeathered red face and head, and a long, curved red bill. It breeds colonially on coastal or mountain cliff ledges, where it typically lays two to three eggs in a stick nest, and feeds on lizards, insects, and other small animals.

The northern bald ibis was once widespread across the Middle East, northern Africa, southern and central Europe, with a fossil record dating back at least 1.8 million years. It disappeared from Europe over 300 years ago, although reintroduction programmes in the region are underway. In 2019 there were about 700 wild birds remaining in southern Morocco.