Another fabulous bird I had the pleasure of capturing during a Spring 2017 visit to Uganda – a Hadada Ibis (Motacilla aguimp), which I spotted twice: once lurking in the tree above and below, foraging along a shore of Lake Victoria near Entebbe. The green transluscence on its wing remains particularly memorable. So does the image of young boy innocently (?) throwing sticks at it. (He mostly missed.)

A bit more on the bird from various sources with the help of the WordPress AI tool:

Description and Identification

The Hadada Ibis is easily recognized by its glossy green and bronze plumage, long, curved bill, and striking white wing linings that appear during flight. The characteristic loud “ha-ha-ha” call, which gives the species its name, can often be heard echoing across its habitat, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. This large, long-legged ibis is a part of the Threskiornithidae family and is well-adapted to both wetland and urban environments..

Range and Habitat

The Hadada Ibis is distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa, with a range that extends from Senegal and Gambia in the west, through much of central Africa, including Uganda, to South Africa in the south. It thrives in diverse habitats such as wetlands, marshes, and grasslands, making the shores of Lake Victoria an ideal location for foraging. The wetlands around Lake Victoria provide abundant invertebrates, small fish, and plant materials, which form a significant part of their diet.

Conservation Status

Though the Hadada Ibis is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, habitat loss and environmental changes pose potential threats to its population. Conservation efforts in wetland regions are vital to ensure that these iconic birds continue to thrive in their natural habitats.

For further reference:

• Hadada Ibis at Birds of the World
• Hadada Ibis at BirdLife DataZone
• Hadada Ibis at eBird
• Hadada Ibis at Avibase
• Hadada Ibis at Wikipedia
• Hadada Ibis at iNaturalist

Photos from 1 April, 2017. Post last updated on 23 August, 2025.