Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Glossy Ibis
Scientific name:	Plegadis falcinellus
Date:	24 May 2013
Time:	8:45 PM
Length of time observed:	~3 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	Adult
Sex:	Unknown
Location:	Cowley Walk-in Access (Logan)
County:	Cache
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	~30 feet
Optical equipment:	Nikon 10x42 binoculars, Nikon SLR w/80-400mm lens.
Weather:	Clear sky, mid-60s F.
Light Conditions:	Sun had just set, sky still well lit.
Description: Size of bird:
(Description:) Basic Shape:
(Description:) Overall Pattern:
(Description:) Bill Type:
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Easily identified as one of the two dark ibis species by distinctive shape; dark chestnut head and back with iridescent greenish-bronze wings; and long, decurved, relatively thick bill. See "similar species" and photos for separation from White-faced Ibis. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	None noticed from this individual.
Behavior:
Habitat:	Flooded grassy pasture, among about 350 White-faced Ibis for direct comparison
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	White-faced Ibis (or hybrid) is the only potential confusion species. This bird had dark charcoal facial skin (completely lacking any pink, reddish, or purple) with a distinct pale blue border around the margins of the face, and with no white feathering at all around the face. The powder blue border to the facial skin did not wrap behind the eye. The eyes were clearly dark, lacking any red, appearing black throughout the relatively brief observation. Legs were not visible in the tall grass.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	I have seen thousands of White-faced Ibis, mostly in Utah but also in California, Nebraska, Arizona, and Idaho. I have seen four other Glossy Ibis in Utah (see records 2008-14 and 2013-38, and two other records just submitted [2013-45 and 2013-46], plus a few more on a recent trip to North Carolina.
References consulted:	None.
Description from:	Photos and memory
Observer:	Ryan O'Donnell
Observer's address:	1098 Crescent Dr
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	None.
Date prepared:	24 May 2013
Additional material:	photos
Additional_Comments:	Note: eBird checklist: