South Africa Wildlife
Glossy Ibis {Plegadis falcinellus}
The Glossy Ibis
The Glossy Ibis is a small, slender ibis with a long curved bill. Adult Glossy Ibises have the head, neck, back and underparts a rich chestnut-brown. The wings are black with a metallic green sheen on the 'shoulders'. There is white stripe from the base of the bill to above the eye. The bill, legs and feet are greenish-brown. The Glossy Ibis is a more slender, longer-billed bird than the Hadeda Ibis.
The Glossy Ibis normally occurs in small flocks but can gather in larger groups when food is abundant.
Quick Facts
Name: Plegadis falcinellus
Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, muddy lake-shores and flooded grassland.
Distribution: The Glossy Ibis is found in subtropical Africa. This is a migratory species, with most European birds wintering in Africa.
Diet: Insects, crustaceans, worms, molluscs, fish, frogs and small reptiles.
Socialisation: The Glossy Ibis normally occurs in small flocks but can gather in larger groups when food is abundant.
Reproduction: Breeding occurs during the summer months. The nest is a compact platform of twigs or reeds, situated in a tree, bush or reedbed.
The Glossy Ibis is a colonial nester, often nesting together in mixed heronries with other species.
View Birder-friendly Accommodation (registered with Birdlife South Africa):
Gauteng Birder Friendly, Free State Birder Friendly, Limpopo Birder Friendly, Mpumalanga Birder Friendly
Eastern Cape Birder Friendly, Garden Route Birder Friendly, KwaZulu Natal Birder Friendly
Northern Cape Birder Friendly, North West Province Birder Friendly, Western Cape Birder Friendly
Gauteng Birder Friendly, Free State Birder Friendly, Limpopo Birder Friendly, Mpumalanga Birder Friendly
Eastern Cape Birder Friendly, Garden Route Birder Friendly, KwaZulu Natal Birder Friendly
Northern Cape Birder Friendly, North West Province Birder Friendly, Western Cape Birder Friendly




