The glossy ibis is a water bird in the order Pelecaniformes and the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae. The scientific name derives from Ancient Greek plegados and Latin, falcis, both meaning "sickle" and referring to the distinctive shape of the bill.
Region
Global tropics and subtropics
Typical Environment
Occupies shallow freshwater and brackish wetlands including marshes, swamps, floodplains, lagoons, estuaries, and mangroves. Readily uses human-modified habitats such as rice paddies, sewage ponds, and flooded fields. Forages in soft substrates where it can probe for invertebrates and small vertebrates. Breeds colonially in reedbeds, low trees, or shrubs near water.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A widespread wading bird of the ibis family (Threskiornithidae), the glossy ibis frequents shallow wetlands across much of the tropics, subtropics, and warm temperate zones. Its scientific name refers to a ‘sickle’, describing the long down-curved bill used to probe mud for prey. Breeding plumage shows a striking metallic green and purple sheen over rich chestnut tones. It often nests colonially with herons and other ibises.
An adult Glossy Ibis feeding its young.
Glossy ibis fishing
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
steady wingbeats with short glides, neck and legs extended
Social Behavior
Typically feeds and travels in flocks and nests in dense mixed-species colonies with other waterbirds. Pairs are seasonally monogamous, building platform nests of sticks or reeds over or near water. Both sexes share incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet away from colonies, but becomes vocal at nesting sites. Calls are harsh grunts and croaks, including grrrk and kek notes, given in series during displays and interactions.
