Pronunciation: [hˈe͡ɪddə] (IPA) 
The word "hadedah" is a bit tricky to spell, as it is not a commonly known word. Its correct pronunciation is /hædɪdɑː/, as indicated by the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This is a bird whose scientific name is Bostrychia hagedash, with its popular name derived from the bird's call. It is mostly found in Africa and is known for its distinctive and loud sound. So now, you have the correct spelling and pronunciation of "hadedah".
Hadedah is the common name for a large wading bird of the ibis family, Threskiornithidae, native to parts of Africa. Specifically, it refers to two species of hadedahs: the African hadedah (Bostrychia hagedash) and the southern hadedah (Bostrychia bicolor).
The hadedah is characterized by its tall stature, measuring around 60-70 centimeters in height, and its long, thin legs, which allow it to wade and forage in shallow waters. It has a predominantly dark plumage, with shades of brown and black, complemented by iridescent green hues on its wings and glossy highlights on its head and neck. These birds have a distinctive, loud, and far-carrying call, often described as a harsh, squawking sound, which they use to communicate and establish their territory.
Hadedahs are opportunistic omnivores, consuming a varied diet that includes insects, small vertebrates, crustaceans, and plant matter. They are typically found in grasslands, savannas, wetlands, and cultivated areas, where they can easily access food sources.
Breeding season for hadedahs usually occurs during the rainy seasons, where they build large stick nests in trees and lay 2-3 eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks until they fledge.
Overall, hadedahs are highly adaptable birds that thrive in diverse environments. They play a significant role in maintaining ecosystem balance by participating in nutrient cycling and pest control. Additionally, they often coexist alongside humans, although they have been known to occasionally cause damage to crops.
The word "hadedah" is derived from the Afrikaans language, which is primarily spoken in South Africa. In Afrikaans, the word is "hadeda", and it is an onomatopoeic term, imitating the distinctive call of the African hadeda ibis bird species (Bostrychia hagedash). This bird is native to Sub-Saharan Africa and is known for its loud and distinctive "haa-haa-haa-de-dah" call, which gave rise to the name "hadedah" or "hadeda" in Afrikaans.
