The glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is a wading bird species that can be found in wetlands across much of the world. Understanding where glossy ibis live and their migration patterns can help bird enthusiasts know where and when to look for them.
What is a glossy ibis?
The glossy ibis is a medium-sized wading bird, growing to 22–25 inches (56–63 cm) long with a wingspan of 36–41 inches (91–105 cm). It gets its name from its dark, iridescent plumage that has a reddish-bronze gloss in sunlight. Its long, downcurved bill is used for probing in mud to catch prey like insects, crustaceans, snails, small amphibians and reptiles.
Glossy ibises are social birds that feed and nest in large flocks called colonies. Their habitats include freshwater and brackish wetlands like marshes, mudflats, ponds, floodplains and rice fields. They build platform nests out of reeds and grasses in shrubs or trees near water.
Where are glossy ibis found?
Glossy ibises have an extremely large range across the world. Here is an overview of their distribution:
North America
In North America, glossy ibis live along the Atlantic Coast from Maine to Florida, around the Gulf Coast, and in isolated inland wetlands. Their breeding range extends across eastern Canada down to the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf Coast states. They migrate down south along the Atlantic coast to wintering grounds in Central America, the Caribbean islands, Mexico and throughout Florida.
Central and South America
Glossy ibis are resident year-round in wetlands across Central America, northern South America and the Caribbean islands. Populations in southern South America migrate northwards in the winter toward equatorial regions.
Europe and North Africa
In Europe, breeding populations are located around the Mediterranean basin from Portugal, Spain and southern France eastward. Glossy ibis are scarce breeders in southern England. Northern European populations migrate south to Africa for the winter. In Africa, glossy ibis occur widely across Sub-Saharan Africa year-round, and are non-breeding visitors in North Africa.
Middle East to Central Asia
Glossy ibis occur through the Middle East in countries like Turkey, Israel, Iraq and Iran. Their range extends east into western and central Asia in countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and India. Most populations that breed in central Asia migrate for the winter to Sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia.
Asia and Australasia
In Asia, glossy ibis occur through South and Southeast Asia, from India and Sri Lanka east to Indonesia and the Philippines. Breeding populations in eastern Russia, China, Japan and Taiwan migrate to Southeast Asia for the winter. In Australasia, the species is found in New Guinea, eastern Australia and New Zealand, mainly occurring as a non-breeding migrant but with a few small breeding populations.
When are glossy ibis present?
The seasonal timing of glossy ibis presence varies across their range:
- In North America, they are present roughly March to October in their breeding range, and year-round on wintering grounds in the southern U.S., Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
- In Europe and North Africa, they are present April to October in breeding areas, and year-round in Africa south of the Sahara.
- In Asia, breeding populations generally migrate and are present April to October, while tropical populations can be present year-round.
- In Australia and New Zealand, they are mainly present September to April as non-breeding migrants from further north.
Key places to see glossy ibis
Some of the best places to observe glossy ibis include:
North America
- Georgia and Florida coasts
- Texas Gulf Coast
- Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve, Kansas
- Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Florida
- Everglades National Park, Florida
Europe and North Africa
- Coto Doñana National Park, Spain
- Camargue, France
- Danube Delta, Romania
- Lake Burdur, Turkey
- Lake Ichkeul, Tunisia
- Djoudj National Park, Senegal
Asia
- Keoladeo National Park, India
- Chitwan National Park, Nepal
- Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
- Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong
- North Sulawesi, Indonesia
When to see glossy ibis
The best times to see glossy ibis are:
- During the breeding season at wetlands across their range from April to August.
- On their wintering grounds from September to March.
- On migratory stopover sites during spring or fall migrations.
Pay attention to reports of recent sightings in your area to know if glossy ibis are passing through. Check sites along migratory flyways during migration seasons. Visit known breeding sites in spring to see courting displays, nesting activity and chicks being fed.
How to find and observe glossy ibis
Here are some tips for finding and watching glossy ibis:
- Scan shorelines of wetlands, mudflats and flooded fields using binoculars.
- Listen for noisy flocks and look for them flying overhead.
- Search through flocks of wading birds like egrets for the distinctively shaped glossy ibis.
- Use birding apps or websites to find recent sighting reports nearby.
- Visit known hotspots at peak times of day, like early morning and evenings when most active.
- Be patient, move slowly, and avoid sudden movements that will startle them.
- Observe from a distance and use a spotting scope for better views.
Conclusion
With their wide distribution and migratory habits, glossy ibis can be found across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia at different times of the year if you know where and when to look. By learning their range, seasonal movements, and favored wetland habitats, birdwatchers can have a better chance of observing these elegant wading birds.
