Southern Bald Ibis vs African Spoonbill

In short

The bill shape is the most reliable way to distinguish these two species: the Southern Bald Ibis has a long, downward-curved bill, while the African Spoonbill features a distinctive spoon-shaped bill. Both species are wading birds, but their bills are adapted to different feeding strategies.

Identification tips

1. Look for the bill shape: curved in the Southern Bald Ibis, spoon-shaped in the African Spoonbill. 2. Check plumage color: dark with iridescence for the ibis, white for the spoonbill. 3. Note the habitat: Southern Bald Ibis may be in open fields, while African Spoonbill sticks to wetlands.

Plumage

The Southern Bald Ibis has a mostly dark body with iridescent green and purple tones, and a bare, red head. In contrast, the African Spoonbill is predominantly white with a red face and legs.

Habitat

Both species can be found in wetlands, but the Southern Bald Ibis is more likely to be seen in grasslands and open fields as well.