Ibises are long-legged wading birds with long, downward-curving bills, which are used to probe the mud for food. Ibises were venerated as sacred animals in ancient Egypt. The ibis was associated with the lunar god Thoth, who was believed to have invented the art of writing, thus making him the patron saint of scribes.

Ibises were sold to pilgrims as votive offerings to Thoth and were mummified when they died. Thousands of mummified ibises were excavated at Saqqara, which indicates the popularity of Thoth.

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Sources:

"Ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddess: Thoth: god of writing and knowledge (Ibis, Baboon)." Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Wilkinson, Richard H. The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt. Thames & Hudson, 2003.

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