Glossy Ibis

Conservation Status:

The Glossy Ibis is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN report of 2025, with a large global population.

Population Trends:

Encouragingly, the species shows a generally stable to increasing trend in many parts of its range, thanks to its adaptability to changing wetland conditions.

Population Size:

Estimated at over 200,000 individuals.

Family:

Threskiornithidae family

Location:

In Uganda, the Glossy Ibis is commonly seen in wetlands, marshes, floodplains, rice fields, and lake edges.

Habitat:

Around Lake Victoria, Lake Kyoga, and seasonal wetlands. It feeds in shallow water, probing mud with its curved bill for insects, crustaceans, and small aquatic life.

Migration Pattern:

The Glossy Ibis is a partial migrant. Some populations in Africa are resident, while others move seasonally across regions.

Migration Distance:

Birds migrating from Europe and Asia can travel thousands of kilometers, while local movements within Africa are usually short to moderate distances, following rainfall and water availability.

About this Bird:

The Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is a striking wetland bird, admired for its dark, iridescent plumage that glows green and purple in the sunlight. A member of the Threskiornithidae family, it is one of the more adaptable ibis species, found across multiple continents.

A Symbol of Resilience

Graceful and adaptable, the Glossy Ibis reflects the resilience of wetland ecosystems. Its presence in Uganda’s waters is a reassuring sign that, where wetlands are protected, life continues to flourish in quiet abundance.

Glossy Ibis

Conservation Status:

Population Trends:

Population Size:

Family:

Location:

Habitat:

Migration Pattern:

Migration Distance:

About this Bird:

A Symbol of Resilience

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