They’re often seen as a nuisance but Hardy the Hadeda is showing the softer, surprising side of South Africa’s loudest bird.
Johannesburg, South Africa (19 August 2025) – South Africans know the sound of a Hadeda long before they see one… that distinct, trumpeting “haa-haa-haa-de-dah” call that usually jolts you awake at the crack of dawn. For most of us, they’re noisy lawn visitors or sky-high flybys. But for Nicole McDonald, a Johannesburg local, they’ve become something entirely different: family.
Nicole has gone viral on TikTok after sharing videos of her domesticated Hadedas, with one particular star, “Hardy”, stealing hearts across the country. Together, her feathered friends have clocked more than 400,000 collective views, turning the humble Hadeda into an online celebrity.
The Hadeda is a large ibis native to Sub-Saharan Africa. With its long curved beak, iridescent wings, and unmistakable morning calls, it’s often seen as a nuisance. But Nicole’s TikToks are showing South Africans a softer side, one filled with trust, patience, and yes, a whole lot of personality.
Speaking to Good Things Guy, Nicole explained that building this bond took time, “It took a year of patience to get them to be so trusting of me,” she says.
“I just hope that the videos put a smile on South Africa’s faces.”
And judging by the comments and shares, they’ve done exactly that. Hardy, with his curious mannerisms and unexpected charm, is quickly becoming the internet’s favourite bird, proving that even the loudest lawn alarm clock can capture our affection.
Watch some of Nicole’s heart-warming Hadeda moments below (and get ready to fall in love with the bird you never thought you’d adore):
@nyx_mcd Big breakthrough with my semi-tame queen today. 🐦 She let me hold her beak! #hardythehadeda #hadeda #tiktoksouthafrica🇿🇦 ♬ original sound – Headbangers Dan
@nyx_mcd Replying to @thabimasinga ♬ original sound – Headbangers Dan
@nyx_mcd Replying to @earthsgreatestninja23 Future historians will look back on this video and blame me for the domestication of hadedas. 😅🥰 #hadeda ♬ som original – LK 𝐋𝐔𝐊𝐢 🎵🎧
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