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To the Beauty of Birds

The Northern Bald Ibis, Hermit Ibis, or Waldrapp Ibis Geronticus eremita is a migratory bird found in barren, semi-desert or rocky habitats, often close to running water. This 28–31 in glossy black ibis, which, unlike other members of the ibis family, is non-wading, has an unfeathered red face and head, and a long, curved red bill.

The Northern Bald Ibis was once widespread across the Middle East, northern Africa, southern and central Europe, with a fossil record dating back at least 1.8 million years. It disappeared from Europe over 300 years ago, and is now considered critically endangered. There are believed to be about 500 wild birds remaining in southern Morocco, and fewer than 10 in Syria where it was rediscovered in 2002. To combat this ebb in numbers, recent reintroduction programs have been instituted internationally.

These photos were taken at the San Francisco Zoo.

Waldrapp Ibis, Northern Bald Ibis

Waldrapp Ibis 2229

Waldrapp Ibis 2246

Waldrapp Ibis 2274

Waldrapp Ibis 1877