Wednesday 2 January 2019

Wild Bird Wednesday 336 - Glossy Ibis

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.

As ever, to join in with WBW click on the blue button below the thumbnails.  

Feel free to spread the word about our little birding community in 2019. SM.

16 comments:

  1. 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!

    Happy New Year to you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I 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..

    ReplyDelete
  4. Bronze and somehow smart. Funny to see those long legs and paws in one of your shots...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Stewart! What a beautiful bird! I wish you a happy new year!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yes, 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!

    ReplyDelete
  7. They're always nice to see down this way!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yes 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

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ibis are soooooo cool...and it only begins with that dorky bill and backward knees!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great set of photos and I love those big feet. Happy and healthy 2019. Cheers Diane

    ReplyDelete
  11. Nice shots! Best wishes for the new year!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Yes! 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!

    ReplyDelete
  13. There are quite a few birds in NZ that I haven't seen because they live quite far from me. I do appreciate your photos!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Missed this one Stewart. Sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Yes, this bird is very beautiful, in particular in nesting.
    Nice pictures.

    ReplyDelete