The Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is found over six of the world's continents. However it is not a common bird in Victoria. As a result I was pleased to find a couple feeding (very actively) near the edge of a pool at the WTP - Werribee Sewage Plant.
These birds seemed to spend almost all of their time with their faces in the water, which made phohtogpahy rather hard! Equally, their dark colour and the intense, flat light of an Australian summer day did not make things any easier!
The scientific name of this species refers to its sickle shaped beak, and an interesting, but now redundant, common name for the species was Black Curlew, which makes sense based on its general form.
You can see from these pictures that the bird's feathers have an almost metallic sheen, and its general colour is described as 'purplish brown, glossed bronze or green'. You take you pick.
These birds seemed to spend almost all of their time with their faces in the water, which made phohtogpahy rather hard! Equally, their dark colour and the intense, flat light of an Australian summer day did not make things any easier!
The scientific name of this species refers to its sickle shaped beak, and an interesting, but now redundant, common name for the species was Black Curlew, which makes sense based on its general form.
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Feel free to spread the word about our little birding community in 2019. SM.
I have seen The Glossy Ibis in several countries but never got any good shots. But when visited Queensland I finally did :) :) A wonderful bird!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you!
Nice series of pictures, Stewart. As you say, this is a cosmopolitan species and I have seen hundreds of them, but only once here in southern Ontario where it is exceedingly rare. I am wondering if this will change with climate warming. Many other southern species are appearing with increased regularity.
ReplyDeleteI see a fair amount of copper and green especially in the last picture. That would be my choice.Happy New Year to you and your family..
ReplyDeleteBronze and somehow smart. Funny to see those long legs and paws in one of your shots...
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHi Stewart! What a beautiful bird! I wish you a happy new year!
ReplyDeleteYes, their colors present a problem, as in life the iridescence may show up nicely, but often the photos do not do it justice. I did not realize this species was so cosmopolitan. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThey're always nice to see down this way!
ReplyDeleteYes these birds are tricky to photograph when feeding but your did very well. Many thanks or linking me in wile I was in Cape Town and also for hosting this meme, May I wish you and your family a very happy and healthy 2019 Stewart
ReplyDeleteIbis are soooooo cool...and it only begins with that dorky bill and backward knees!
ReplyDelete♥
Great set of photos and I love those big feet. Happy and healthy 2019. Cheers Diane
ReplyDeleteNice shots! Best wishes for the new year!
ReplyDeleteYes! A bird I'm familiar with, but nonetheless as much fun to see as your more 'exotic' (to me) native birds. Happy New Year to all at your house -- I have some birds for the New Year and hope that's a good omen for my 'attendance' here the rest of the year -- see you Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteThere are quite a few birds in NZ that I haven't seen because they live quite far from me. I do appreciate your photos!
ReplyDeleteMissed this one Stewart. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteYes, this bird is very beautiful, in particular in nesting.
ReplyDeleteNice pictures.