Glossy Ibis: Habitat, Diet, Rarity, Sounds, and More!

The glossy ibis is scientifically known as Plegadis falcinellus and is a striking waterbird. It is probably best known for its iridescent feathers, which shimmer with purples, greens, and bronzes. 

They’re one of the several species of ibis found in the world. They also play a key role in the ecosystems they inhabit. They’re commonly seen in wetlands, for instance, where they help keep the insect population in check. 

These birds are also considered bioindicators. In other words, they’re a bit of a sensitive species, which allows them to tell researchers how well the ecosystem is doing. When they’re thriving, it’s usually because the rest of the ecosystem is thriving, too. 

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this important species. 

Taxonomy and Classification 

The glossy ibis belongs to the animal kingdom, the phylum Chordata, and the class Aves, which also includes all other birds. 

Beyond that, it belongs to the order Pelecaniformes and the family Threskiornithidae. 

This puts it closely related to the other ibis species and spoonbills. These are collectively known as “wading birds” due to their long-legged appearance and tendency to hang out in shallow water. 

The glossy ibis is found across a wide geographical area, which has led to several subspecies developing. These subspecies are largely separated by oceans, which is why they have developed into somewhat independent birds. 

Physical Characteristics

The glossy ibis is a medium-sized wading bird that has a wingspan of between 31 and 41 inches and a length of about 19 to 26 inches. Their size and long, slender legs allow them to wade into shallow parts of the water to look for small fish. 

This species looks similar to other ibis species. They’re very elegant, with agile long legs and a remarkably bendy neck. They have the characteristic down-turned bill and considerably long wingspan. They’re graceful birds to catch a glimpse of, which is why they are often sought after by birdwatchers. 

They are also known for their striking plumage. That’s partially why they got their name “glossy.” When the light hits their feathers just right, they shimmer in greens, purples, and bronzes. These birds are mesmerizing to see on a sunny day when this iridescent effect is most obvious. 

Their plumage is thought to become even more striking around breeding season. However, outside of this season, their color may be more subdued. 

Adaptations

Like most species, the glossy ibis has some unique adaptations that have allowed it to be successful in its environment.

For one, their beak is long and slender, allowing them to probe into soft, sticky mud in search of their next meal. They largely consume invertebrates, small fish, and crustaceans, which are often found in the mud. 

Their beak is very sensitive, allowing them to feel for their prey items. They can also grasp prey with precision due to their beak’s agility and small, pointed end. They’re highly efficient predators thanks to their beaks. 

Habitat and Range

These birds are found worldwide in their chosen habitats. Let’s take a look at their specific habitats and continental differences. 

Range

This species is very successful and found across many continents. However, as we’ve said, it has developed into slightly different subspecies where populations were separated from each other. 

• Europe: In Europe, you can find the glossy ibis in areas like Spain, France, Greece, and Italy. This region hosts a significant number of these birds. 
• Africa: This species is also found in some parts of Africa, especially in the northern areas. They’re most common in Morocco and Egypt. However, they’re also found very far south, including in South Africa. 
• Americas: In the Americas, the glossy ibis is distributed throughout the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. 
• Asia: You can also find this species in parts of Asia. Mostly, it is found in the Middle East and India. 

Habitats

In these areas, the glossy ibis is found almost exclusively in specific habitats. This species has been adapted for wetlands areas, and most individuals will stay in these habitats. 

• Freshwater Wetlands: As we’ve explained, the glossy ibis is mostly found in freshwater wetlands. They like lake shores, swamps, and marshes, as these provide plenty of places they can find food. Often, small fish and invertebrates are common on the shores of these bodies of water, which is exactly what this species needs to thrive. 
• Saltwater Estuaries: That said, you can also find these birds in saltwater estuaries and saltwater flats, which also provide a steady source of invertebrate-rich mud. 
• Rice Fields: Rice fields may be the result of human alterations to the environment. However, they make great hunting grounds for the glossy ibis. Often, they can find an abundant amount of food in these areas. 
• Wetland Conservation Areas: In areas where wetlands are being conserved, these birds seem to thrive the most. They require undisturbed habitat for both hunting and breeding. 

Feeding Behavior

The glossy ibis is mostly a highly skilled and opportunistic hunter. They consume small fish, invertebrates, and whatever else they can find along the muddy shoreline. Their slender, curved beaks are designed exactly for this job, making them very efficient. 

Their diet depends largely on what prey is available. Different areas will see glossy ibises eating different things. 

Most of the time, their diet is made up of mostly aquatic invertebrates. These might include insects, crustaceans, and other small organisms. These creatures are often abundant on the shoreline. 

They may also consume lots of small fish. They’re often very good at catching small fish in shallow water. Glossy ibises may also eat amphibians, especially small frogs and tadpoles. These species are often particularly abundant during breeding season. 

Rarely, these birds may also eat seeds and squalid plants. However, this doesn’t make up the bulk of their diet. 

To catch their food, you may see these birds use many different techniques. Most successfully, they may employ prodding, which involves sticking their beak into the mud and searching around for invertebrates to eat. They sometimes “feel” with their beak to locate hidden prey. 

They will also attempt to catch small fish and other small aquatic animals if they see them. They’re very opportunistic in this way. They may make sudden lunges to catch fish or amphibians in quick, precise strikes. 

When hunting in cloudy waters, glossy ibises may use a technique called “foot tapping”. This involves stirring the mud with their feet to locate hidden prey and using their feet to feel for potential prey items. 

Reproduction and Lifecycle

These birds go through various stages throughout the year as they reproduce. 

Breeding Season

Usually, the breeding season for these birds starts in the spring or early summer, depending on their exact location. In many cases, the birds will undergo behavioral changes during this time as they prepare to mate. 

Breeding pairs will often engage in courtship rituals to establish and cement their bonds. 

Nesting 

Like practically all birds, the glossy ibis builds a nest to function as a home for its young. They look for well-hidden locations within their preferred habitat where they can find food easily. Often, they will choose sites that offer some protection from predators, such as a patch of dense reeds. 

To make their nests, they will use whatever materials they can find, including sticks, grasses, and reeds. 

Egg-Laying 

After their nest is built, the female will lay 2 to 4 well-sized eggs. These are typically a pale blue-green color. 

Incubation duties are shared between both the male and female, which is odd for birds. The incubation period lasts anywhere from 21 to 23 days. The parents will not go far from the nest during this time, but they will take turns to find food. 

Chick Rearing

After the eggs hatch, the pair will spend a great deal of time caring for their chicks. The chicks are exceptionally vulnerable when they are first born, so they require tons of care. However, they grow rapidly and quickly become quite independent. Their parents provide them with a regular diet of regurgitated food until they are old enough to find their own. 

As the chicks develop, they slowly become more independent. Their downy feathers are slowly replaced by adult feathers, marking their transition from chicks to juvenile birds. 

Lifespan

The lifespan of these birds varies widely. On average, they can live for 10 to 15 years in the wild. Many do not survive to adulthood, though those that do enjoy a pretty long lifespan for a wild animal. Habitat quality and predation risk can all shorten the lifespan of these birds. 

Social Behavior and Sounds

Glossy ibises are known for their social behavior. They congregate into social groups during the mating season. These colonies are called “rookeries”. These typically consist of multiple breeding pairs to provide extra protection from predators and competing birds. To keep relations within the group, the ibises engage in mutual preening. 

During the non-breeding season, these birds may form small flocks for foraging purposes. These flocks are highly dynamic, with individuals coming and going as they search for food. 

Vocalizations 

Communicating between glossy ibises primarily relies on vocalization. They produce a variety of calls for different purposes, and different birds can probably distinguish each other. 

• Contact Calls: Glossy ibises use soft contact calls to maintain contact with the nearby group. By listening to the calls of others, they can stay together a bit easier. 
• Alarm Calls: When a bird notices a threat, they emit a loud call that alerts nearby birds. 
• Courtship Calls: During the breeding season, these birds engage in courtship displays to attract potential mates. 
• Nesting Calls: While nesting, adults sometimes use special calls to communicate with their chicks. 

These vocalizations play a critical role in coordinating group movements, defending territories, and maintaining social bonds. 

Courtship Displays 

Like many birds, glossy ibises participate in courtship displays. Both males and females engage in courtship displays to bond with each other. These rituals often include preening, synchronized movements, and vocalizations. These synchronized displays serve to strengthen the connection between mates. 

Males often bring females nesting materials as part of their courtship display. If the courtship is successful, the birds form a mated pair and share nesting duties. 

Conservation Status

While glossy ibises are not considered endangered, they face various threats and challenges that do affect their population. 

Habitat loss is the primary threat to their population. Their habitat may be degraded due to urbanization and drainage. Wetlands are not suitable for many human activities, so they are often converted into other habitats – to the detriment of these birds. 

Loss of this critical habitat limits their foraging and breeding areas. 

Wetlands are also susceptible to pollution due to agricultural runoff, pesticides, and industrial activities. These pollutants get in the water and harm the birds’ food sources. 

Conservation Efforts 

Efforts are being made to lessen the effects of humans on this bird species and wetlands overall. 

For instance, efforts are underway to preserve and restore wetlands habitats, providing more room for these birds to thrive. Habitat management is very important for these birds, as they require specific areas for hunting and breeding. For instance, some initiatives create nesting platforms to provide for better reproduction outcomes. 

Research is also important. While there is a lot we do know about these birds, there is also a lot that we don’t know. Therefore, it’s important to continue researching these birds so that we can understand their behavior and ecological needs. Otherwise, helping them thrive is like fumbling in the dark. 

IUCN Status

Currently, these birds are listed as “least concerned”. This suggests that they are currently thriving and don’t need much extra attention. However, that doesn’t mean that efforts to maintain their environment aren’t important. It’s much easier to prevent a species from becoming endangered than it is to pull them back from extinction. 

Glossy Ibis Cultural Significance 

The Glossy Ibis has captured the imagination of many cultures around the world. In ancient Egypt, ibises were associated with Thoth, the deity of wisdom. Thoth was often depicted with the head of an ibis. 

In many cultures, Glossy ibises symbolize elegance, grace, and beauty. Their unique appearance and behavior have inspired tons of myths around the world. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/6381380