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Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Volcanoes National Park
Kilimanjaro Bird HubStorks, Herons & IbisesHadada Ibis
Hadada Ibis in Tanzania
Bostrychia hagedash
Hadada Ibis at a Glance
Hadada Ibis — Threskiornithidae
Important Elevation Note
No verified Kilimanjaro route-specific elevation range is published for these storks, herons and ibises. They occur across a wide altitude span in eastern Africa — from sea level to well above 2,000 m depending on species — but those are broad regional ecological references — not confirmed Kilimanjaro route elevations.
About the Hadada Ibis
The Hadada Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash) is a large grey-brown ibis with iridescent green and purple wings and a long, downward-curving bill. It is famous for its loud, nasal call, often heard at dawn and dusk near feeding sites and roosting trees.
It occurs across much of Africa, including Tanzania, and is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. Individual trekking-route sightings have not been independently verified in this guide.
Natural Habitat
Woodland, gardens, wetlands and river valleys
Moist grassland, riverbanks and wooded streams, gardens, farmland and wetland margins.
Woodland, wetlands, marshes, farmland and suburban gardens — an adaptable bird of human-influenced landscapes.
Where to See the Hadada Ibis on Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro National Park checklist — route unverified
| Region | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| The Hadada Ibis is included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. Sightings on named trekking routes (Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Umbwe, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Shira) are not independently verified, and no route-specific elevation range is established — no route is a confirmed viewing location. | ||
These birds are included in the current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist. Named trekking-route sightings are not independently verified; African Majestic Adventure does not guarantee sightings.
African Majestic Adventure does not guarantee wildlife sightings. Encounters depend on natural movements, habitat conditions and weather.
Nature, Call, Diet & Behaviour
How the Hadada Ibis lives on Kilimanjaro
Loud, harsh, trumpet-like "ha-ha-ha-daa!" — especially at dawn and dusk near roosting sites.
Diet & Feeding
Earthworms, insect larvae, beetles, grasshoppers, snails and spiders — taken from damp soil and mud.
Behaviour
Diurnal; wading and open-country birds of wetlands, savannah, grassland and river valleys; generally resident; often seen feeding singly or in groups.
Breeding
Pair nests in a tree or shrub; stick platform nest lined with grass; both parents share care.
Communication
Loud, harsh, trumpet-like "ha-ha-ha-daa!" — especially at dawn and dusk near roosting sites.
Distribution, Conservation & Fieldcraft
Where it lives, what threatens it, how to see it
Distribution in Africa & Tanzania
Native to sub-Saharan Africa; widespread across eastern Africa including Tanzania; included in the current Kilimanjaro National Park checklist.
Conservation - Least Concern
Least Concern (LC) globally. Least Concern (LC) globally; no Kilimanjaro-specific population estimate or trend is published here.
Best Time to Observe
Listen around tall trees at dawn and dusk; scan lawns, golf courses and damp grassland; watch for pairs or small groups probing soft soil.
Photography Tips
- Listen before looking
- Listen for trumpeting calls & scan gardens and woodland
- Listen for loud trumpeting calls & scan gardens and river valleys
- Telephoto, keep distance, no playback near nests
Ecological Importance
An important consumer of earthworms, insect larvae and other invertebrates across gardens, grassland, farmland and wetland food webs; a familiar element of both natural and human-settled landscapes.
Responsible Birdwatching
- Stay on authorised paths
- Never chase or disturb
- No feeding, no loud playback
- Photograph from distance, leave no litter
Frequently Asked Questions
Hadada Ibis on Mount Kilimanjaro
What is the scientific name of the Hadada Ibis?
Its scientific name is Bostrychia hagedash. It belongs to the ibis family, Threskiornithidae.
Is the Hadada Ibis found in Tanzania?
Yes. It is widespread in eastern Africa, including Tanzania, where it occurs in woodland, wetlands, gardens, farmland and other suitable habitats.
Is the Hadada Ibis included in the Kilimanjaro National Park checklist?
Yes. The current Avibase Kilimanjaro National Park checklist includes Bostrychia hagedash.
Can I see a Hadada Ibis on a Kilimanjaro climbing route?
The species is included in the park checklist, but independently verified sightings on individual climbing routes have not been established in this guide. No route is promoted as a confirmed viewing location.
How large is a Hadada Ibis?
It is approximately 68–76 cm long, with a wingspan of about 90 cm.
What does a Hadada Ibis look like?
It has grey-brown plumage, iridescent green or purple wing feathers, a narrow white cheek stripe and a long downward-curving bill with a reddish ridge.
Why is the Hadada Ibis so noisy?
Its loud calls are used for communication and social interactions. They are particularly noticeable when birds leave or return to roosting trees and when they are flying.
What sound does a Hadada Ibis make?
Its characteristic call is a loud, harsh, nasal sequence commonly rendered as "Ha-ha-ha-daa!"
What does the Hadada Ibis eat?
It eats earthworms, insect larvae, beetles, grasshoppers, snails, spiders, crustaceans, frogs, small reptiles and other small animals.
How does the Hadada Ibis find food?
It probes damp soil, mud and shallow water with its long curved bill, using touch-sensitive structures to locate prey beneath the surface.
Does the Hadada Ibis live in gardens?
Yes. It frequently visits gardens, lawns, parks and golf courses where damp soil provides worms and insect larvae.
Does the Hadada Ibis live only in wetlands?
No. It uses wetlands and riverbanks but also feeds in gardens, farmland, parks, moist grassland and other open habitats.
Is the Hadada Ibis active during the day?
Yes. It is primarily diurnal and commonly feeds during daylight.
Where does the Hadada Ibis build its nest?
It usually builds a platform of sticks and twigs in a tree or shrub, lining the nest with grass and other soft material.
Does the Hadada Ibis breed in colonies?
It generally nests in pairs rather than forming large breeding colonies. It may share suitable nesting landscapes with other birds.
Is the Hadada Ibis migratory?
Many populations are generally resident, but local or nomadic movements may occur in response to rainfall and food availability.
Is the Hadada Ibis endangered?
No. Its global conservation category is Least Concern (LC). Local habitat changes can still affect individual populations.
How is the Hadada Ibis different from the African Sacred Ibis?
The Hadada Ibis is grey-brown with iridescent wings and a white cheek stripe. The African Sacred Ibis has a mostly white body, a bare black head and neck, and a long black bill.
Does the Hadada Ibis have a special role in the ecosystem?
It consumes earthworms, insect larvae and other invertebrates, contributing to food-web relationships in gardens, grassland, farmland and wetland habitats.
Can African Majestic Adventure guarantee a Hadada Ibis sighting?
No. Wild bird sightings depend on habitat, weather, season and natural movements. African Majestic Adventure encourages responsible wildlife observation without promising encounters.
Explore Kilimanjaro's Birdlife with African Majestic Adventure
Kilimanjaro offers a remarkable variety of landscapes and birds, from lower forested slopes to open high moorlands and rocky highlands. Our team can help you plan a trek that brings you closer to the mountain's wildlife while encouraging responsible travel and respect for Tanzania's natural environments.
African Majestic Adventure is committed to memorable mountain experiences while encouraging responsible travel and respect for Tanzania natural environments.