Glossy Ibis -- Plegadis falcinellus -- South Dakota Birds

The Glossy Ibis is virtually identical to its close relative, the White-faced Ibis, and extreme care should be taken when trying to differentiate between the two.  However, while the White-faced Ibis can be common in parts of the state (primarily the Northeast), the Glossy Ibis is normally only found near the Gulf Coast and southern Atlantic Coast.  "The Birds of South Dakota" (SDOU 2002) lists only a single sighting of this species within the state.

Habitat: Generally found in wetland habitats, including fresh- or salt-water marshes, estuaries, shallow edges of lakes and ponds, and flooded lands.   Generally nests in trees and shrubs around water.

Diet: Large numbers of insects and insect larvae are eaten, mostly aquatic insects, but some terrestrial.  When available, crayfish may be the primary diet item.  Other items include fish, frogs and toads, crustaceans, mollusks, leeches, and snakes.

Behavior: Forages by probing in mud for food as they wade.  They will also pick up visible items on water or land surfaces.

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota

Song: Low grunts, some higher-pitched squeaks.

Migrations: Birds in the northern part of its normal range move southward in the winter.  Those in more tropical areas are year-round residents.

Similar Species: White-faced Ibis

Status: North American populations have expanded dramatically in the 20th century.

Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Glossy Ibis

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Glossy Ibis"

3) E-nature.com: Glossy Ibis

Photo Information: Out-of-state photo -- June 23rd, 2005 -- Chincoteague, Virginia -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Glossy Ibis photos.

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08