Overview
A sudden, far-carrying “haa-haa-haa-de-dah” is often the first sign that a Hadada ibis is nearby. Loud, confident and highly recognisable, this familiar African bird is named after the call it makes, particularly when flying to and from its roost at dawn and dusk.
Hadada ibises are more adaptable than their wetland appearance might suggest. In Tanzania, they forage around marshes, riverbanks and moist grasslands, but may also appear on irrigated farmland, lawns and gardens. Their long, curved bills probe beneath the surface for earthworms, insect larvae, snails and other small animals hidden in soft soil.
Although they often feed in pairs or small groups, Hadada ibises gather communally to roost in tall trees. Their ability to exploit cultivated and suburban landscapes has allowed them to live surprisingly close to people in parts of their range.
Behaviour & How to Identify
Look for a large, stocky ibis with a long downcurved bill, sturdy dark legs and grey-brown plumage. A narrow white stripe runs across the cheek beneath the eye, while the shoulders and wings display glossy green, bronze and purple tones when caught by the light.
They are particularly vocal in flight and when leaving or returning to communal roosts. During the breeding season, pairs build stick nests in trees, frequently near water, although they generally nest separately rather than forming dense breeding colonies.
Their flight is strong and direct, with steady wingbeats interrupted by short glides. The iridescent patches on the wings and shoulders can become especially conspicuous in bright sunlight.
Interesting facts
Their name imitates their call. The loud three- or four-note cry sounds remarkably like “ha-da-da” and is commonly heard around dawn and dusk.
They can find prey without seeing it. Sensory pits near the tip of the bill help detect worms and insect larvae concealed beneath the soil.
Their glossy colours are created by light. The green and purple sheen comes from microscopic structures in the feathers reflecting light rather than from green or purple pigment.