Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

A Jewel of the Wetlands

The Danube Delta is a paradise for waterbirds, and the glossy ibis is one of the most spectacular species found here. With a metallic plumage that shimmers in shades of green, bronze, and purple, this elegant bird wades through marshes and reed beds in search of food. Though now a protected species, its population in Romania has suffered greatly in the past, mainly due to human intervention.

Description

  • English name: Glossy Ibis

  • Scientific name: Plegadis falcinellus

  • Size:

    • Length: 55–65 cm
    • Wingspan: 88–105 cm

  • Weight: 500–800 g

  • Lifespan: Up to 15 years

  • Presence in Romania: Breeding species and seasonal visitor in the Danube Delta and some wetland areas of Dobrogea

  • Frequency: Relatively common but fluctuates based on habitat conditions

  • Status: Protected species, with a growing population in Europe

Characteristics

The glossy ibis stands out due to its spectacular plumage, which appears brown in dim light but transforms into an iridescent rainbow of green, bronze, and purple when exposed to the sun. It has a long, downward-curved bill, perfectly adapted for probing mud for food, and long legs that help it navigate marshy terrain.

In flight, the ibis has an elegant silhouette, similar to herons but with quicker and more fluid wingbeats.

Habitat and Distribution

It prefers shallow wetlands, including marshes, lagoons, lakes with reed beds, and river deltas. It is a migratory bird, wintering in Africa and returning to Europe in the spring.

Distribution in Romania

In Romania, the Danube Delta is the most important breeding site for the glossy ibis. Although its population has begun to recover, the species remains vulnerable due to wetland destruction.

Behavior

  • A social bird, often nesting in mixed colonies alongside herons and egrets.

  • Feeds on invertebrates, small fish, and amphibians, using its long bill to probe water and mud.

  • During the breeding season, males become more colorful and court females with elegant displays and specific mating dances.

Conservation Status and Threats

  • IUCN Status: “Least Concern,” but it was once on the brink of extinction in Romania.

  • Threats:

    • Wetland destruction due to drainage and construction

    • Water pollution

    • Human disturbance in nesting areas

One major historical threat was excessive hunting during the communist era, which nearly wiped out the species in Romania. During that time, hunters in the Danube Delta were forced to deliver glossy ibises to the canning factory in Sulina. The birds’ breast meat was considered a delicacy and exported to Italy in canned products. In return, hunters received shotgun cartridges, fueling the ongoing slaughter. All this, just to earn a few bloodstained dollars. This ruthless exploitation led to a drastic decline in the ibis population in Romania, and the effects of this dark chapter in the Delta’s history are still visible today.

Fortunately, the species is now protected, and its numbers are slowly increasing thanks to conservation efforts.

Where Can It Be Seen?

In the Danube Delta, especially around Mila 23, the marine sandbanks of the Razim-Sinoe complex, and the marshlands of southern Dobrogea, such as Lake Techirghiol.

Fun Facts

  • Its scientific name, Plegadis falcinellus, means “curved sickle,” referring to its bill shape.

  • It is the only ibis species that breeds in Europe.

  • Some migratory individuals from Europe travel as far as sub-Saharan Africa.

  • During the breeding season, it develops a white tuft at the base of its bill, and its eyes become more intensely colored.

Conclusions

The glossy ibis is an impressive bird, but also a symbol of past mistakes. Once the target of ruthless hunting during communism, it is now a protected species, slowly making a comeback. This bird reminds us how fragile nature’s balance is. Today, visitors to the Danube Delta have the chance to admire the glossy ibis, a species that survived a cruel era but still needs protection for the future.

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