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Waldrapp
Ibis
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Geronticus
eremita
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Southern
Europe & Northern Africa
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Measurements
Length: 65cm
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Diet
Like all types
of ibis, the Waldrapp uses its long, thin beak to probe the mud for
small crdatures such as insects, snails, worms and small crabs. |
Identification
These raven-sized
birds have iridescent black plumage, a downward-curving red bill and
long legs. Their heads are naked but are covered with wrinkled skin
topped with a bulbous cap. The face and throat are bare and red. A
shaggy ruff of black feathers around the neck is raised in courtship
displays. |
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Behaviour
These gregarious
birds gather in breeding colonies. Highly social by nature, they
mingle in flocks. Little is known of their social behaviour outside
of the breeding season.
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Distribution
& Habitat
Formerly Southern
Europe & Northern Africa. Now restricted to Morocco, Turkey and
Syria. |
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Reproduction
The normal clutch
is three all-white eggs, incubated by both the male and female. Young
are fed insects, regurgitated by adults. Young leave the nest with
completely feathered heads and don’t acquire adult plumage until
seven years of age. |
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Conservation
These critically endangered
birds are part of European captive breeding programme. |
