Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellus
Ibis Pico-de-hoz
Song
Glossy Ibis
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
Appearance: The Glossy Ibis is a medium-sized wading bird with dark, iridescent plumage that appears glossy and metallic in certain lighting conditions. It has long legs, a long curved bill, and a reddish-brown neck and face that can appear duller outside the breeding season. In flight, the Glossy Ibis shows dark, shimmering wings.
Habitat: Glossy Ibises prefer freshwater and brackish wetlands such as marshes, swamps, flooded fields, and lagoons. They are commonly found near shallow water bodies where they can feed on aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and amphibians. In Colombia, Glossy Ibises can be seen in various wetland habitats throughout the country.
Behavior: Glossy Ibises are typically seen foraging in shallow water, probing the mud with their long bills in search of food. They may also walk slowly through wetlands, using their sharp bills to capture prey. These birds are social and often gather in small to large flocks, especially during migration or in areas with abundant food resources.
Breeding: Glossy Ibises usually breed in colonies, constructing nests in trees, reeds, or bushes near water. The female lays 2-4 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young. Chicks fledge in about four weeks and gradually learn to forage for themselves.
Conservation Status: The conservation status of the Glossy Ibis is currently categorized as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Distribution
The Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
Caribbean Region: Glossy Ibises can be spotted in wetlands along the Caribbean coast of Colombia, including areas such as the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta and the Magdalena River delta. These coastal wetlands provide important feeding and nesting grounds for Glossy Ibises in this region.
Pacific Region: In the Pacific region of Colombia, Glossy Ibises are known to inhabit wetlands such as mangrove forests, estuaries, and lagoons along the Pacific coast. These areas offer abundant food resources and suitable nesting sites for Glossy Ibises to thrive.
Andean Region: Glossy Ibises can also be found in wetland habitats in the Andean region of Colombia, including high-altitude lakes, marshes, and rivers. Areas such as the Cauca River basin and wetlands around Bogotá may support populations of Glossy Ibises in this region.
Orinoco Region: Wetlands along the Orinoco River and its tributaries in eastern Colombia provide important habitat for Glossy Ibises. These areas offer rich biodiversity and support a variety of waterbirds, including Glossy Ibises feeding on aquatic prey.
Amazon Region: Glossy Ibises are also present in wetland habitats within the Amazon region of Colombia, including oxbow lakes, flooded forests, and riverine habitats. These diverse ecosystems provide nesting opportunities and food sources for Glossy Ibises in the Amazon basin.
Taxonomy
The Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Threskiornithidae
- Genus: Plegadis
- Species: Plegadis falcinellus
Vocalization
The Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
- Honking Calls: Glossy Ibises often emit a deep, guttural honking sound, particularly during the breeding season or when in flight. This call is used for communication within the flock and may serve as a contact call to maintain group cohesion.
- Croaking and Grunting: Glossy Ibises can also produce croaking or grunting sounds, which are typically heard during interactions between individuals, such as pair bonding or territorial disputes. These vocalizations may vary in intensity and duration depending on the context.
- Nest Vocalizations: When at the nest site, Glossy Ibises may engage in softer, more subtle vocalizations to communicate with their mates or offspring. These gentle coos or murmurs are part of the social bonding and parental care behaviors exhibited by Glossy Ibises.
- Aggressive Calls: Glossy Ibises may also vocalize more aggressively when defending their territory or young from potential threats. Harsher, more intense vocalizations may be used to deter intruders or predators from approaching their nesting sites.
