Southern Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus)
The Southern bald ibis is readily identifiable by its bright red naked head. The body is a glossy green-black, the neck and facial skin are white and the long decurved bill, crown and legs are all bright red. At close quarters a coppery-colured wing-patch is visible. Immature birds are matt black, lacking any colour on the head and bill. This species is gregarious, foraging in flocks of up to 50 individuals.
There are approximately 8 000 Southern bald ibis in southern Africa. The species prefers high altitude grasslands and is resident in eastern Free State and Lesotho, through to KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Swaziland. The core range lies in the north-eastern Free State, Mpumalanga and the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, and any sites within this area should provide opportunities for seeing Southern bald ibis. One of the most accessible areas is the Sani Pass region, where the birds may be seen foraging in the fields alongside the road well before the Pass, or in the open grassland of Lesotho once at the top.
Southern bald ibis has been listed as Threatened.
Directions
From Underberg take the road to Himeville, check any fallow/ploughed fields for foraging flocks of ibis, pass through the village of Himeville and continue along this road for 2 km's before turning left to Sani Pass. Follow the road past the Sani Pass Hotel and on towards the border post. Sani Pass is only accessible by 4x4 vehicles and the border post is open strictly from 08h00 – 16h00, passports are required. Once through the Lesotho border post at the top of Sani Pass, keep a look for the ibis in the open grassland in the near vicinity. Alternatively, drive straight on for a distance (10 km's) and keep looking for the birds in any suitable habitat.
| GPS Coordinates | ||
| Description | Latitude | Longitude |
| Turnoff to Sani Pass outside Homeville | 29°43'12.54"S | 29°31'17.53"E |
| SA Border post | 29°36'11.49"S | 29°20'22.24"E |
| Lesotho Border post | 29°35'04.64"S | 29°17'09.85"E |