Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellus
NativeStatus
CommonRarity
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Species Description
The Glossy Ibis (*Plegadis falcinellus*) is a medium-sized, slender wading bird with a long, decurved bill. While it can appear almost black from a distance, close views in good light reveal a stunning array of iridescent green, bronze, and purple tones, especially on the wings and back. Known as the "black curlew" in some regions, the Glossy Ibis is the smallest of Australia’s three ibis species and is found across a vast range spanning six continents.
Fun Facts
The Glossy Ibis is found on six continents, making it the world’s most widespread ibis species`.`.
1. Thin white border around blue-grey facial skin is a key field mark
2. Iridescent plumage with green, bronze, and purple tones, especially in good light
3. Immatures are browner, with white markings on the head and throat and less iridescence
In Australia, Glossy Ibises are found in shallow freshwater wetlands, marshes, swamps, floodplains, and the edges of lakes and rivers, as well as in rice fields and irrigated farmland. They prefer areas with abundant emergent vegetation and shallow water for probing. While most numerous in northern Australia, they are widespread across the mainland and are non-breeding visitors to Tasmania and southwestern Western Australia. Glossy Ibises are rarely seen in urban environments, in contrast to the Australian White Ibis.
Physical Attributes
Height
55 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds90%
Top Locations
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