ML486391311

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Adult bird with some controversy over the possibility of a hybrid. The eye was a bright ruby color in good light with no hint of brown. Again, when seen in good light, apparent pinkish skin bordering eye and duller pinkish brown between the bill and the eye. I did not see the white border that some have been referencing as a concern and I believe my photos show a pinkish tint. The legs were mostly hidden, but there was a slight pinkish hint at times. Towards the end of my viewing I heard the bird vocalize on several occasions as it flew. Unfortunately I did not get a recording. The call was much like a duck quacking. I am not that familiar with the various vocalizations of Glossy and White-faced Ibis, but in listening to recordings of the calls of both species right after the fact, the call was an exact match for the call of a White-faced Ibis. While this would seem to be supportive of WF over Glossy, I am not sure how it would enter into the hybrid debate. Apparently hybrids have been increasing quite a bit over the years, and based on photos of purported hybrids I assume there can be a good bit of variation with some leaning more toward WF and others toward Glossy. I also know that there can be variation in WF this time of year as well with some showing a very bright pink face and others more subdued. Frankly, when reviewing photos of adult WF ibis taken in their range this time of year, this bird appears (at least to me) to be within that range. It also appears pretty similar to photos of other WF Ibis in the east this time of year. At this time of year, with this plumage, it may be difficult to rule out the possibility of some Glossy Ibis genes. However, given the bright red eye and the pinkish facial skin I am listing this as a White-faced Ibis at this time. I believe the real question is whether or not this bird falls within the range of possible variation for WF Ibis. If it does, my belief is that it would be reasonable to ID as a WF Ibis.

Technical information

Dimensions

2245 pixels x 2536 pixels

Original file size

908.05 KB