Where does the Hadada Ibis live?
Bostrychia hagedash
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Open the appThe Hadada Ibis lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Wetlands, grasslands, savannas, agricultural lands, urban and suburban areas, parks, gardens, golf courses.
Geographic range
Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Sudan and Ethiopia south to South Africa, and west to Senegal and Mauritania. Absent from arid regions of the Sahara and Namib deserts.
Preferred environments
Prefers open grassy areas near water bodies (rivers, dams, vleis, estuaries), but has adapted well to human-modified landscapes, often foraging on lawns and sports fields. Requires tall trees for roosting and nesting.
Elevation range
Sea level up to 3,000 meters, though most commonly found below 2,000 meters.
Where to look
Urban and Suburban Parks/Gardens
Commonly found in well-watered lawns, sports fields, and gardens within cities and towns across its range, especially where there are tall trees for roosting.
Golf Courses
Golf courses provide ideal foraging habitat with their manicured lawns and often adjacent water features.
Wetlands and Riverbanks
Natural habitats include the edges of rivers, dams, vleis (seasonal wetlands), estuaries, and other freshwater bodies.
Agricultural Lands
Often seen foraging in cultivated fields, especially after rain or irrigation, where earthworms and insects are abundant.
Field tips
- Listen for their call. Their loud 'haa-haa-dah' call is often heard before the bird is seen, especially at dawn and dusk. Follow the sound.
- Look on open lawns. Scan open grassy areas, particularly those that are well-irrigated or recently rained upon, as they actively probe for food there.
- Check tall trees. They roost communally in tall trees, so check large trees at dawn and dusk for incoming or outgoing flocks.
- Observe flight patterns. When flying, they often form V-formations or lines and frequently call, making them easier to spot against the sky.
Migration
Generally resident throughout its range, though some localized movements may occur in response to rainfall and food availability. Not considered a migratory species.
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