Ibis are a type of wading bird found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are known for their distinctive long, curved beaks. But do these birds make any vocalizations or calls?
Quick Answer
Yes, ibises do make calls. While not as vocal as some other bird species, ibises have a variety of sounds and vocalizations they use to communicate.
Ibis Species and Their Calls
There are 28 different species of ibis found globally. Some of the most common ibis species and the calls they make include:
- Hadada Ibis – Makes loud, barking “ha-ha-ha” calls
- Glossy Ibis – Croaking and grunting sounds
- Australian White Ibis – Deep groaning sounds
- Scarlet Ibis – Whistling calls
- Sacred Ibis – Honking and grunting
The vocalizations of ibises tend to be lower-pitched than many other wading birds. Their calls are often described as grunts, croaks, or honks.
When Do Ibises Vocalize?
Ibises may call for a variety of reasons. Some examples of when ibises vocalize include:
- Attracting mates
- Defending territories
- Communicating with flock members
- Warning others of danger
- During mating/pair bonding
- Parents calling to chicks
Certain ibis species are known to make louder, more frequent calls during breeding season when they are trying to attract mates. The Hadada Ibis engages in particularly elaborate vocalizations when breeding, pairing its barking sounds with waving head motions.
UNIQUE IBIS VOCALIZATIONS
Many of the calls of ibises are distinct to their species. Here are some examples of unique vocalizations:
- The Sacred Ibis emits a “haa-haa-haa” sound in flight.
- The Straw-necked Ibis has a twanging vocalization often transliterated as “kek-kek-kek.”
- The Glossy Ibis gives a series of rapid croaking notes when flushed from its roost.
- The African Sacred Ibis has a loud, honking “uh-uh” call.
These unique vocalizations likely help the birds identify species, warn of predators, defend territories, locate mates, and communicate other important information to nearby ibises.
IBIS CHICK CALLS
Baby ibises (called chicks) also make calls of their own. Newly hatched ibises peep repeatedly to stimulate regurgitation feeding from the parents. As they grow older, ibis chicks make louder begging calls when parents arrive with food.
The sounds made by ibis chicks include:
- High-pitched cheeping
- Rhythmic peeping
- Harsh squawking
These vocalizations allow the chicks to communicate their hunger to the adults. The parent ibises are able to distinguish the food-begging calls from other chick vocalizations indicating distress or other needs.
FUNCTIONS OF IBIS CALLS
The various calls of ibises allow them to communicate for a number of reasons, including:
- Territoriality – Loud calls announce occupancy of feeding, roosting, and nesting areas.
- Alarm – Specific calls warn other ibises of potential threats like predators.
- Contact – Vocalizations help ibises keep in touch with flock members as they feed and fly.
- Synchronization – Calls may synchronize breeding cycles or assist in coordinating flock movements and migration.
- Identification – Species-specific calls help ibises recognize others of their own kind.
Having a range of vocalizations allows ibises to effectively communicate within social groups. The calls play an important role in their behavior and reproductive success.
IBIS VOCAL ANATOMY
Ibises produce their array of calls using their syrinx – an organ unique to birds that functions like the human larynx or voice box. This organ sits at the junction of the two bronchi (air tubes extending from the trachea to the lungs).
Movement of membranes within the syrinx modulates airflow from the lungs to generate sound. Muscles attached to the syrinx control its tension and aperture to change call pitch, volume, and quality.
While ibises don’t have vocal cords like humans, they can still make loud, far-reaching calls. Parts of their vocal anatomy like the syrinx and a gular pouch (throat sac) help project sound.
CONCLUSION
While not the most vocal bird species, ibises do utilize calls and vocalizations to facilitate breeding, feeding, defense, and other essential behaviors. Different ibis species have distinctive calls that may sound like grunts, croaks, or honks. The unique anatomy of the avian syrinx allows ibises to perform vocal duets and make meaningful contact calls communicating specific types of information. Ibis vocalizations play an important ecological role in the lives of these highly social wading birds.
| Ibis Species | Call Description | Audio Link |
|---|---|---|
| Hadada Ibis | Loud, barking “ha-ha-ha” | Example Call |
| Glossy Ibis | Croaking and grunting | Example Call |
| Australian White Ibis | Deep groaning sounds | Example Call |
| Scarlet Ibis | Whistling calls | Example Call |
| Sacred Ibis | Honking and grunting | Example Call |
Key Facts on Ibis Vocalizations
- There are 28 species of ibis worldwide.
- Ibis calls tend to be lower-pitched, like croaks and honks.
- Breeding ibises are the most vocal, using calls to attract mates.
- Ibis chicks peep and beg to stimulate feeding from parents.
- The syrinx organ allows ibises to modulate calls.
- Calls help with territoriality, predator alarms, and social contact.
In summary, the world’s ibises do make a variety of vocalizations essential to their breeding, feeding, and social behaviors. Their unique calls serve many important functions even if ibises are not the most noisy birds. Ibis communication shows the importance of vocal adaptations for avian life.
