Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellus
| Length: 22 to 24 inches | Wingspan: 36 inches | Seasonality: Rare Visitor |
| ID Keys: Dark overall, long strongly curved bill, bluish-black facial skin | ||
The Glossy Ibis is
virtually identical to its close relative, the White-faced
Ibis, and extreme care should be taken when trying to differentiate between
the two. However, while the White-faced Ibis can be common in parts of the
state (primarily the Northeast), the Glossy Ibis is normally only found near the
Gulf Coast and southern Atlantic Coast. "The Birds of South
Dakota" (SDOU
2002) lists only a single sighting of this species within the state.
Habitat: Generally found in wetland habitats, including fresh- or salt-water marshes, estuaries, shallow edges of lakes and ponds, and flooded lands. Generally nests in trees and shrubs around water.
Diet: Large numbers of insects and insect larvae are eaten, mostly aquatic insects, but some terrestrial. When available, crayfish may be the primary diet item. Other items include fish, frogs and toads, crustaceans, mollusks, leeches, and snakes.
Behavior: Forages by probing in mud for food as they wade. They will also pick up visible items on water or land surfaces.
Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota.
Song: Low grunts, some higher-pitched squeaks.
Migration: Birds in the northern part of its normal range move southward in the winter. Those in more tropical areas are year-round residents.
Interactive eBird Map: Click here to access an interactive eBird map of Glossy Ibis sightings
Similar Species: White-faced Ibis
Conservation Status: North American populations have expanded dramatically in the 20th century.
Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Glossy Ibis
2) Audubon Guide - Glossy Ibis
Photo Information: June 23rd, 2005 -- Chincoteague, Virginia -- Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Glossy Ibis photos.
| Click on the map below for a higher-resolution view |
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| South Dakota Status: The SDOU's "Birds of South Dakota (2001) lists only 1 sighting of the species, in Brown County in 2001. |
Additional Glossy Ibis Photos
Click for a higher-resolution version of these photos
