Posted September 24, 2026 in All
The Southern bald ibis is often seen on the UmPhafa Nature Reserve traversing the open grassland looking for titbits such as insects, small reptiles, rodents and small birds. Classed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the population is estimated between 7,000 – 8,000.
Their threats are from open cast mining, commercial farming and human disturbance at cliff nesting sites.
They are easily recognisable from their unfeathered red face and head, and a long decurved red bill. Their plumage shimmers in the sunlight having iridescent streaks of green with an overall dark green plumage.
The latin name (Geronticus calvus) translated as ‘bald old man’ refers to the face and head.
Seeing a Southern Bald Ibis on UmPhafa Nature Reserve is considered a special treat and a sign of ecological luck!
