The glossy ibis is a medium-sized wading bird that is found in wetlands across much of the world. However, there has been some question around whether or not this species lives and breeds in the United Kingdom.
Overview of the Glossy Ibis
The glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is a member of the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae. It has an extremely large range and is found on every continent except Antarctica. Its natural habitats include freshwater marshes, mudflats, flooded fields, and the edges of lakes and rivers.
Adult glossy ibis range from 18-25 inches long, with a wingspan around 33-38 inches. They have long, downcurved bills that help them probe for food. Their plumage is dark reddish-brown overall, with green, purple, and bronzy iridescence on the wings and head. The breeding season brings slightly more colorful plumage, with more vibrant reddish parts.
Glossy ibis primarily eat insects, shrimp, crayfish, mollusks, amphibians, small fish, and some plant material. They forage by probing with their long bills in shallow water or wet mud. Their curved bill allows them to feel for and easily capture hidden prey.
These birds migrate seasonally based on food availability and breeding. Northern populations are migratory, while more southern populations may be resident year-round. They breed in colonies called heronries, often with other wading birds like herons and egrets. The nests are platforms of sticks and grasses built up in shrubs or trees near water.
Range and Population
Glossy ibis have an extremely large global range across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. It is estimated there are between 600,000 – 3,000,000 mature individuals globally.
In Europe, breeding populations of glossy ibis are found across southern Europe, including Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and southeastern Europe. Some breeding also occurs in central Europe. The European population is estimated at 19,000-25,000 breeding pairs.
Glossy ibis are considered a vagrant species in the United Kingdom. They do not have an established breeding population in the UK. However, they are sometimes spotted during migration or as stray visitors.
Rare and Irregular Sightings in the UK
While glossy ibis do not live or breed in the UK currently, they are occasionally sighted there as rare vagrants. These sightings typically involve stray juvenile birds or adults on migration.
According to the UK Rare Bird Club, there were only 13 accepted records of glossy ibis in the UK between 1950-1999. Sightings have increased slightly since 2000, but remain irregular and rare. Recent sightings include:
- May 2020 – Single glossy ibis seen at Tacumshin Lake in County Wexford, Ireland
- October 2019 – One reported at Newark, Nottinghamshire
- September 2019 – One juvenile observed at Pett Level, East Sussex
- May 2019 – One seen flying over Worthing, West Sussex
- October 2018 – One spotted over Stithians Lake, Cornwall
These vagrants are believed to most likely come from breeding populations in Spain and Portugal. The increase in recent decades could be related to expanded breeding in southern Europe. However, sightings in the UK remain extremely rare and irregular.
Could Glossy Ibis Establish in the UK?
While glossy ibis are currently only an irregular vagrant in the UK, some birders have questioned if the species could eventually establish a breeding population there. There are a few considerations around this possibility:
Suitable habitat
In order to establish as a breeding resident, glossy ibis would require suitable wetland habitat for nesting and foraging. The UK does have some extensive wetlands in certain regions, such as East Anglia. These wetlands provide habitat used by many other migratory wading birds and could potentially be utilized by glossy ibis.
Climate change
Climate change may make parts of the UK more appealing for species like glossy ibis over time. Warmer temperatures could provide more favorable nesting and feeding conditions. Range shifts are occurring in many species as climate patterns change, so climate could facilitate new glossy ibis colonization.
Continental population trends
Glossy ibis populations in Europe have been increasing in recent decades, which has corresponded with more vagrants reaching the UK. If continental European populations remain robust, they could provide a source for ongoing vagrancy and potential colonization.
However, the overall number of sightings in the UK has still been very small. Significant expansion from core breeding areas would likely need to occur to establish a true breeding foothold in the UK. More research is needed to determine if continental range shifts are substantial enough to enable this.
Competition from native species?
Some ecologists think competition from resident UK bird species could influence glossy ibis’ ability to establish. Species like the grey heron and little egret occupy similar wetland niche spaces. Glossy ibis may face competition for preferred nesting and feeding habitats.
However, habitat availability does not seem to be a major limitation currently. Plus, glossy ibis co-exists with other wading birds throughout its range. So competition may play a minimal role in settlement likelihood.
Conclusion
In summary, glossy ibis are rare and irregular vagrants in the UK, but do not currently have an established breeding population. Sightings typically involve stray migrants or juveniles from southern Europe. While climate change and increased continental populations may open the door for future colonization, sightings remain scarce. Significant expansion from core European breeding strongholds would likely need to occur for glossy ibis to gain a foothold in the UK. Continued monitoring of continental glossy ibis populations and habitat use will shed light on this species’ colonization potential.
Location | Status | Breeding Population Estimate |
---|---|---|
Global | 600,000 – 3,000,000 mature individuals | Native resident |
Europe | 19,000-25,000 breeding pairs | Native resident |
United Kingdom | Extremely rare vagrant | No breeding population |