[Birdtalk] Glossy Ibis?

[Mark Stackhouse]

Thanks for the heads up, Cliff - I've noticed increased reports from 
our neighboring states as well - AZ, CO and NM. For Utah birders not 
familiar with how to differentiate these two look-alike species (and 
get that state-first record past the records committee), here's an 
excerpt from the Birds of North America account on Glossy Ibis that 
covers well the distinguishing features:

"In breeding season, [Glossy Ibis] adult facial skin from base of bill 
to eye changes from dull gray to blue-black, with a distinctive edging 
of pale-blue skin above and below but not continuing around eye. This 
edging skin remains at least marginally visible throughout the year.

White-faced Ibis of w. North America very similar and not readily 
separated unless observed at close range. White-faced Ibis has white 
feathering bordering facial skin and extending around back of eye 
during breeding season, when bill, entire leg, and facial skin red. 
Most important feature year-round is red iris on adult White-faced Ibis 
(versus brown on Glossy Ibis), but this is difficult to discern in 
field, and immature White-faced until at least first winter has 
gray-brown iris. Facial skin on White-faced Ibis becomes dull 
grayish-pink during nonbreeding season. Pale blue-gray skin bordering 
facial skin on Glossy Ibis may be confused with white feathering of 
White-faced, but note blue-gray lines of Glossy do not extend behind 
eye. In winter, also note that White-faced lacks blue-gray line between 
eye and bill present on Glossy. Immatures of these 2 species not 
readily distinguishable until red eye color of White-faced Ibis 
develops; age at which iris becomes red likely variable, however. 
Glossy Ibises have gray-green legs, which may take on a pinkish tinge 
around intertarsal joint"

Please note that the glossiness of the plumage in breeding season is 
NOT a distinguishing feature - both White-faced and Glossy have similar 
plumage. You need to see the facial skin, eye-color and leg color. At 
this time of year you should search for birds that have a whitish 
facial border that does not extend behind the eye. Positively 
identifying a Glossy Ibis will require careful, detailed observation at 
close range under good lighting conditions. Of course, photos, even 
poor ones, will almost always help.

Good luck!

Mark Stackhouse
mark at westwings.com
801-487-9453 (Salt Lake City, Utah, USA)
011-52-323-285-1243 (San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico)

On May 25, 2006, at 10:02 AM, Cliff and Lisa Weisse wrote:

> Is anyone looking for Glossy Ibis in UT this year?  They are
> all over the place up here in ID and it seems like they are
> in UT as well.  So far there have been six Glossies and
> seven hybrids found in ID at Mud Lake, Market Lake, Camas
> NWR and Island Park.  When I've stopped to check flocks I've
> found Glossies and/or Hybrids more often than not this year.
> Just thought I'd throw that out there since it isn't yet on
> the UT list and this sure seems like the year.  Good luck.
>
> Cliff
>
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