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Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus ORDER: PELECANIFORMES FAMILY: THRESKIORNITHIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Glossy Ibis Photo

A dark wading bird with a long, down-curved bill. Although the Glossy Ibis in North America lives primarily along the Atlantic Coast, it also can be found in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

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Appearance

Heronlike
Heronlike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Long, down-curved bill.
  • Long dark legs.
  • Body all dark.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but with dark banded bill and duller body.

Range Map Help

Glossy Ibis Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Adult breeding

    Glossy Ibis

    Adult breeding
    • © Marie Read
  • Adult nonbreeding

    Glossy Ibis

    Adult nonbreeding
    • © William L. Newton / CLO

Similar Species

  • Herons have straight, not curved bills.
  • Immature White Ibis has white rump and belly.
  • White-faced Ibis is extremely similar, but shows a white feather border completely surrounding the face during breeding season, has a red face and eyes, reddish legs or red around leg joints.