Waldrapp ibis

The Zoo has 11 Waldrapp ibis, all identified by name and leg band color.

They are Janine, Sarah, Lily, Forrest, Tina, Grover, Wesley, Gurk, Guinness, Pip, and Squeek.

Pip and Squeek are the youngest of the group; Pip hatched here on February 28, 2011, and Squeek hatched on March 3, 2011.

Where to find me in the Zoo

The ibis exhibit at the south end of the Zoo

Fun Facts

• Along with one other species of ibis, the waldrapp was considered sacred in ancient Egypt; unfortunately, this species is now extinct there.
• With only about 420 wild waldrapp ibis, this is one of the world's most critically endangered avian species.
• The subject of a very successful captive breeding and release program, there are over 1,100 waldrapp ibis in captivity; offspring from zoos have been released back to the wild.

Ask an Expert

The waldrapp ibis, also known as the hermit ibis or the northern bald ibis, may not be the most attractive bird, but their strong character and bizarre appearance give them unique appeal. They look almost comical with their bald heads, long red beaks and crazy crest feathers going every which way. Their black feathers take on brilliant sheens of purple, green and orange when viewed in bright sunlight. Telling male and female ibis apart is difficult with the males being only slightly larger with slightly longer beaks.

Unlike most species of ibis that live in wetlands, waldrapp ibis prefer dryer habitat. They seek water only for drinking and bathing and forage in grassy areas. They roost and breed on rocky slopes.

Longevity

In the wild, the Waldrapp ibis is estimated to live for about 25 years.  In captivity, they can live more than 30 years.   

Reproduction

Like most species of ibis, the waldrapp ibis breeds in large colonies.  They reach breeding age at about 3 years.  A male and female will form a pairbond and both help to build the nest. They build nests from sticks and grasses on cliff ledges where they lay their clutch of 2 to 4 eggs. The eggs hatch in 24 to 28 days and the babies are ready for their first flight after about 43 days. Both parents assist in caring for and feeding the young by regurgitating food to the chicks.

Behavior

Waldrapp ibis have a wide variety of vocalizations--some sound like slurping noises--and can often be heard "arguing" over favorite sunbathing spots or perches. Sunbathing is a favorite pastime. Even in the summer they can be seen with their wings outstretched on the ground panting away in the hot sun.

Size

Waldrapp ibis stand approximately 14 inches tall with a total body length of about 27 inches. They have a wingspan of approximately 50 inches.

Weight

Waldrapp ibis weigh between 2.5 to 3 pounds.

Diet

In the wild, the waldrapp ibis probe in the sand and soil with their long curved beaks searching for grubs, beetles, snails, grasshoppers, ants, scorpions or any small mammals or lizard. In the Zoo, our ibis are fed a nutritionally balanced ground meat, small mice and a variety of insects.

Geographic Range

Cliffs and coastline of Morocco, Syria