About Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) Danube Delta
The Glossy ibis (Plegadisfalcinellus) is a species with a current population of 2 100 specimens. During the '70-'80 their population numbered 12 000 specimens.
Its plumage is combination of iridescent brownish-greenish, red and violet feathers.The English have named it 'glossy ibis' due to its feathers. The youngsters have an opaque plumage with small white spots.
It has a beautiful and elegant flight, with a combination of 'rowing' and 'floating'. It flies with its neck outstretched. Flocks are easily recognised.
The glossy ibis is a migratory bird, which comes in the Danube's Delta at the middle of March and it leaves towards wintering areas in August.
It feeds itself in shallow, swampy waters and its arched bill helps it to search for food, mostly small aquatic animals.
In all mixed colonies in Danube's Delta there can be found glossy ibis nests. It nests alongside egrets, cormorants and herons. Its nest is generally built on the superior areas of trees and willows. One pair will lay 4 or 5 eggs.
The communists have tried to develop an industry using this bird as raw material, but their attempts to produce glossy ibis meat cans were a failure.
Draining made with agricultural purposes has influenced the glossy ibis population in a negative way. Also, the chaotic tourism made today in the area affects negatively the bird colonies.