SW Florida - Glossy or White-faced Ibis? (1 Viewer)

[Fandango739]

For years I assumed that all local, dark ibis without an obvious white face were glossy. But that isn't true, is it? Which are these birds...and how can you tell?

Thanks!!!

 

[Doc Duck]

I just read up on this while in Hawaii. Of course, location can also help. Hawaii only has white-faced. But I did read up on it anyway. The glossy is a "colder" brown color, the white-faced "warmer". The white marks on the glossy's face go up to the eyes, on the white-faced they go around the eyes. It's easier to tell the difference in breeding season. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that these are glossies, but don't quote me on it. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will respond soon.

 

[DarkFireFalcon]

These are Glossy Ibis. They have bluish-white skin around the eye, but it's not as bold as White-faced.

 

[TLeukering]

However, ibis lacking such blue are not necessarily White-faceds. One of the more-critical aspects of ibis ID that most birders ignore is determining age. Juvenile Glossy and White-faced are, essentially, impossible to field ID, until and if young White-faceds begin showing reddish legs and facial skin. Additionally, hybrids betwixt the two are not at all rare, greatly confounding the problem.