THE GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus (Linnæus)
Reading edition
In the southern and eastern parts of England this species used to be well known as an autumn migrant, but of late years it has become decidedly scarcer. It breeds commonly in the marismas of Spain and the marshes of the Danube.
The head, neck, and under parts are a deep coppery brown; back, wings, and tail glossy brownish black. The bill is long and shaped like that of a Curlew. The sexes 230 and young are alike in plumage. Length 22 in.; wing 10·75 in.