Did you know the hadeda ibis is a common resident of Alberton with a very loud call?
The hadeda is a large grey-brown bird with a long curved beak. The hadeda has a white cheek stripe that runs under the eye. A patch of iridescent pink is visible on the shoulders of the bird. Depending on how the light falls on this patch it can display anywhere from pink to greenish.
Hadedas can usually be seen foraging or perched in pairs. Sometimes groups of six or more can be seen together. Hadedas feed mainly on earthworms. Their long downwardly curved beaks are used to reach the worms underground. Lawns provide the perfect environment for the hadeda to forage for its favoured prey making the bird a common sight on lawns all over Alberton. The hadeda also feeds on insects and snails, providing a service to homeowners by protecting their gardens from pest damage.
Hadedas are well known for there distinctive sound, which is where their names stem from. The hadedas call is a loud “ha-ha-ha-a-a…’ which may be repeated and is often called together by multiple birds.
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