Northern bald ibis:
Biologist Johannes Fritz and the Waldrappteam increased the Central European northern bald ibis population from zero to nearly 300 since 2002, moving it from “critically endangered” to “endangered.”
- Northern Bald Ibis: Scientific Name: Geronticus eremita
- Conservation status: Endangered (formerly Critically Endangered)
- Once native to Central Europe until the 17th century, also found in North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
- The species became extinct in Central Europe by the 17th century due to excessive hunting.
- The Northern Bald Ibis is known for its black plumage with an iridescent green sheen, a bald red head adorned with black markings, and a long, downward-curved beak.
- Their red beak and legs stand out against their dark feathers. There is no sexual dimorphism in this species.
- They primarily feed on insect larvae, earthworms and other invertebrates, using their long, slender beak to probe the ground, guided by their sense of touch.
- These ibises prefer open areas with short grass, such as meadows, pastures, or even sports fields like golf courses. Despite their bald head resembling that of a vulture, they are not scavengers.
- Northern Bald Ibises are social birds, historically forming large colonies with thousands of individuals.
- They engage in a ritual greeting involving crest-spreading and bowing, which often triggers a similar response throughout
- Typically, seasonally monogamous, breeding partnerships often change yearly, though some pairs may stay together for multiple years.
- They choose steep rock faces with protective nooks for nesting, laying up to four greenish eggs.
- Incubation begins with the first egg, leading to staggered hatching times.
- Young birds fledge within 42-50 days, initially following their parents before joining juvenile groups.
- They learn migration routes by following experienced birds during the fall migration.
