Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus in Menorca

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Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus © Menorca Walking Birds

This spring-summer, our customers have been enjoying with the presence of a Glossy ibis in Menorca. During spring until mid-June we saw three in a small marsh at north of the island accompanied by Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis and Purple Gallinules Porphyrio porphyrio. Thereafter, one has remained in Menorca until late August, when the marsh began to dry up as a result of the lack of rain.

The Glossy Ibis is a rare and irregular winter and migrant bird in Menorca. It frequents marshes with an extensive bed of reeds. In Europe, it is widespread around the Mediterranean Sea until Black Sea.  Spanish breeding populations are showing a strong recovery.  Actually, it breed in Doñana, the highest colony in Spain, in the Ebro Delta and, sporadically, in some marshes of the east of Spain. It is a migrant and dispersive bird that performed nomadic movements.

A treat for our birdwatchers!!!

Comments (4)

  • David Burt

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    Javier, There was a Glossy Ibis at the Tirant Wetlands on Thursday 21st January

    I can send you a picture if you wish by e-mail

    Dave Burt

    Reply

    • Menorca Walking Birds

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      Hi Dave, it’s a fantastic record. Thank you very much. We’ve seen it three times this month during our tours, always around Lluriac (Tirant Wetlands). It’s a common migrant in spring and autumn but not so common in winter or summer. Lovely bird.
      These days there is also another winter visitor that we don’t usually see every year. It’s a Razorbill (Alca torda). Yesterday I saw it in the Maó harbour. This month have arrived some to the Balearic Islands Sea and there are records in all islands.
      Thank you very much for this information Dave

      Reply

  • Menorca Walking Birds

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    Hi Enrique
    This glossy ibis has been all winter with us.
    It’s a regular migrant bird but not in big numbers. Some years it’s also possible to see some in winter. Less common are summer birds but in 2015 there were some in Lluriac. We could enjoy them during our summer birding tours.
    Closest populations to Menorca are located in the Ebro Delta (Catalonia) and La Camargue (south of France). Some individuals of these breeding populations spend winter at the same places. Probably our winter birds come from these populations.

    Regards

    Javier

    Reply

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