Glossy Ibis - Ross Feldner This long-legged bird may appear dark at a distance but when seen in good light shows vibrant “glossy” colors of maroon, bronze, violet and emerald. It can be found in South, North and Central America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Glossy Ibises are nomatic and will spread out after nesting season. This habit has helped expand their range from the Southeastern US to much of Eastern North America. They prefer foraging in wetlands and wet fields searching for seeds, insects, small fish, small snakes, frogs and even leeches. In some areas their main food is crayfish. They forage in close-knit flocks, moving slowly as they probe for prey. This often attracts the attention of other waders such as Snowy Egrets who go after the small prey that move away from the advancing ibis flock. Glossy Ibises nest in colonies often with herons, spoonbills and egrets as neighbors. The advantage of colonial nesting is there are many eyes on the look out for danger. | |
