Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is a widespread winter visitor and resident in India.

Identification: Length: 19 inches Wingspan: 37 inches. Sexes similar. Medium-sized long-legged long-necked wader. Bill long, dark gray, and decurved. Dark brown eye. Holds neck extended in flight. Gray facial skin. Border to bare facial skin still present but dull gray. Gray-green legs. Head, neck, back and belly a duller gray-brown without iridescence. Head and neck streaked with white. Adult alternate: Bare facial skin at lores is blue-gray. Bare facial skin bordered partially with a white or pale blue band that is of varying width and does not encircle the back of the eye. Legs gray to dull red. Head, neck, back and belly an iridescent purple-red, appearing entirely dark or black at a distance or in poor light. Iridescent green wings and tail. Immature: Dull gray brown head, neck, back and belly sometimes with white streaking. Facial skin dull blue-gray, develops dull gray border during first autumn. Gray-green legs.