Bird

Glossy Ibis Sightings

Plegadis falcinellus

Least ConcernPredatorFound in 4 parks

Want to know where and when to find Glossy Ibis? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.

Where to see Glossy Ibis in South Africa

About the Glossy Ibis

The glossy ibis is a medium-sized dark wading bird with long legs, a long down-curved bill and plumage that can appear rich bronze, purple, green and copper in strong light. It is found around wetlands, marshes, shallow lakes, rivers and flooded grasslands, often feeding in soft mud or shallow water. Its diet consists mainly of insects, crustaceans, worms, frogs and other small aquatic animals. It is generally social and may gather in flocks, particularly where feeding conditions are favourable.

How to identify the Glossy Ibis

Medium-sized dark ibis with long legs and a long, distinctly down-curved bill. Plumage appears dark brown at a distance but shows glossy green, purple and bronze iridescence in good light.

Did you know?

Glossy Ibises often forage by probing soft mud with their long bills, using touch rather than sight to locate prey beneath the surface.

Also known as: Glansibis, Ibis

Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Glossy Ibis, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.