Glossy Ibis
The Glossy Ibis is a wading bird and a member of the ibis family. Breeding adults have reddish-brown bodies and shiny bottle-green wings whilst non-breeders and juveniles have duller bodies. They have a brownish bill, dark facial skin bordered above and below in blue-grey (non-breeding) to cobalt blue (breeding) and red-brown legs. Unlike herons, ibises fly with necks outstretched and often flocks fly in lines.
The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species breeding in scattered sites in the warmer regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas. They are also migratory with most European birds wintering in Africa.
The Glossy Ibis nests colonially in trees often with herons. It is also gregarious when feeding in marshy wetlands when it predates on fish, frogs and other water creatures.
The Glossy Ibis is a very rare visitor to the UK although some individuals have stayed here for many months or even years. The species is prone to occasional influxes and in 2009 the UK enjoyed the biggest influx ever with small flocks discovered in several counties.
This photo shows a Glossy Ibis that was seen at various locations in Essex during March and April 2012. The bird was ringed at El Rocio in the Coto Donana National Park in southern Spain in September 2007.
Date: 2nd April 2012
Location: Baddow Meads flood plain, Essex
The Glossy Ibis is the most widespread ibis species breeding in scattered sites in the warmer regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Atlantic and Caribbean region of the Americas. They are also migratory with most European birds wintering in Africa.
The Glossy Ibis nests colonially in trees often with herons. It is also gregarious when feeding in marshy wetlands when it predates on fish, frogs and other water creatures.
The Glossy Ibis is a very rare visitor to the UK although some individuals have stayed here for many months or even years. The species is prone to occasional influxes and in 2009 the UK enjoyed the biggest influx ever with small flocks discovered in several counties.
This photo shows a Glossy Ibis that was seen at various locations in Essex during March and April 2012. The bird was ringed at El Rocio in the Coto Donana National Park in southern Spain in September 2007.
Date: 2nd April 2012
Location: Baddow Meads flood plain, Essex
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Also in: Ibises
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