Sacred ibis

Sacred ibis

Scientific name: Threskiomis aethiopicud
In the wild: common
Jerusalem zoo: Several individuals at the Marsh aviary
In the Bible: the ibis does not appear in the Bible
The Scarlet Ibis, from the ibis family can be found in the Sub-Saharan Africa. It has become extinct from other areas in the Middle-East. It is a wading bird found typically in marsh areas and wetlands. Lately, it is also found living naturally, with growing populations in South-Europe, specifically - France and Italy and in Australia. Although naturally the Ibis feeds on various fish, frogs, and insects it is very adaptable to other kinds of food (they will even eat from garbage dumps). This is why it is considered and intruding species and is seen as potential problem in new areas, as it competes successfully with local birds on food. The Ibis builds huge nests and nest in colonies often with other types of birds, and lays 2-3 eggs. The adult has an all white body plumage apart for its back feathers. The Sacred Ibis was a symbol in ancient Egypt, thus its name. It was worshipped as the god Thoth and it was believed that it prevented the country from plagues and other evil. The birds were often mummified and buried with pharaohs. It can be seen together with the scarlet ibis and the brown ibis at the Marsh Aviary at the Biblical Zoo.

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