Ibises and Spoonbills are both terrestrial and wading birds that belong to the Threskiornithidae family. This family has over 36 species that are divided into two main sub-families-Spoonbills as well as Ibises, and 7 of these species are found in Uganda.
These birds were once believed to be related to other groups of long-legged wading birds within the Ciconiiformes order but research has recently placed them under Pelecaniformes order. Members of Threskiornithidae family are also characterized by long and broad wings with 11 primary feathers as well as about 20 secondary feathers. These birds are also tough fliers making it rather surprising, given their weight and size (size of a human baby).
Ibises and Spoonbills are similar in numerous ways but their long bills do not resemble. Ibises have thin and downwardly curved bills while spoonbills have straight and differently flattened bills. Therefore the 7 species of these unique birds in Uganda are;
African Spoonbill (Platalea Alba).
African spoonbill body extends for length of 90 centimeters and wingspan of 120 to 250 centimeters. They are shy and characterized by white plumage with long spoon-like bills, red legs and face. Interestingly, their hatchlings don’t have long spoon-like bills but instead shorter but gradually changes as they grow.
The African spoonbills are water birds that mainly feed on water invertebrates (insects and shellfish) as well as fish, and can be found in Queen Elizabeth National Park during the Kazinga Boat cruise.
Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia).
The Eurasian Spoonbills are distinctive throughout their range with white plumage, dark legs, and black bills with yellow tips as well as yellow breast patch like the pelicans while breeding. This breast patch is absent among non-breeders.
They are rare in Uganda but occupy wetlands with muddy and dine sandy or clay beds. You will also find them around flooded areas and mangrove swamps of saline and fresh waters.
Hadada Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash).
Hadada Ibis are large and extend to 76 centimeters in length and are characterized by brown to grey color. They also have white narrow and slightly horizontal stripe on their cheeks. These Ibises have grey to black bills as well as broad and strong wings.
Hadada Ibis are common around green fields especially golf courses, wetland, open grasslands and savannah, farms. Their diet comprises of earth worms, lizards, insects and spiders.
Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus).
Sacred Ibis are one of the most beautiful birds in their family with orange-red color alongside long-narrow curved red and sometimes blackish bills. Their necks and legs are long while they eat frogs, under plants, insects, small snakes in mud and fish. In Uganda, the sacred Ibises are found in Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo National Parks as well as some marshy wetlands and mudflats in the country.
Other rare but incredibly beautiful Ibises and Spoonbills presently in Uganda include the Glossy Ibis (Plegadia falcinellus), Olive Ibis (Bostrychia olivacea) and the Spot-breasted Ibis (Bostrychia rara). A birding safari to at least 10 Important Birding areas will offer views of at least 4 species of Ibises and Spoonbills in Uganda.
