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Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

This is the one member of the family with a truly wide distribution; it is found, in fact, on every continent of the world except Antarctica – pretty impressive for a large wading bird. Its broad compass doubtless results from an extreme tendency to wander nomadically after breeding, when adults and young form separate flocks and disperse widely in all directions. It seems unlikely that it originated here because Europe is by no means its heartland; it is rather rare and localised in our region compared to many other parts of the world.

The Glossy Ibis finds most of its food by pecking and probing into mud or water. Like the Spoonbill it has slit-like nostrils at the very base of the bill, so it can breathe while feeding in this way. It is mainly carnivorous, and evidently not at all fussy: insect larvae, worms, leeches, molluscs, crustaceans, fish, frogs and snakes may all find their way on to its menu at various times. When feeding it is highly sociable and a single bird on its own is an unusual sight, in contrast to the more private Spoonbill.

Glossy Ibises nest on the ground or in trees, in colonies, usually with other large waterbirds. Early in life the chicks are given to wandering from the nest, making their parents follow them to various parts of the colony; a hint of what will happen later on.