An African species, with very similar birds in Asia and Australia, common and widespread.
All three were once lumped, as well as the Madagascar Sacred ibis, that being the only one that differs appreciably in appearence. It is
probably this species that the Ancient Egyptians were familiar with.
A few records have occurred in Europe, and a feral population exists in France. Global warming may well make it an addition to the
British list eventually.
Click on the photo to return to "herons" or
  
HOMEPAGE