Stock Photo - Flock of Glossy Ibis in flight. (Plegadis falcinellus) Guadiana river. Badajoz. Extremadura.Spain The glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is a wading bird of the ibis family Threskiornithidae. This medium-sized, colonial waterbird is found in wetlands throughout the world. Its range includes the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, South America, and parts of the United States. It has also been found in Australia and New Zealand, where it is considered an occasional visitor. The glossy ibis prefers to stay near shallow bodies of water with heavy cover, such as reed beds, thickets, and trees. It often gathers in large flocks and is conspicuous in flight with its black and bronze-green plumage. During the breeding season, glossy ibis males become more brightly colored, with blue, green, and red feathers. They often indulge in elaborate courtship rituals in which males stretch their wings, bow, and make a cooing noise. The glossy ibis feeds mainly on insects, crustaceans, amphibians, and fish. Its feathers repel water, allowing it to access deeper pools of water. Its long beak can also probe in the mud for food.