Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Glossy Ibis
Scientific name:	Plegadis falcinellus
Date:	5/17/13
Time:	4:55 PM
Length of time observed:	Five minutes
Number:	1
Age:	Adult
Sex:	Unknown
Location:	Where 10400 West bends to 10420 West in Lehi, Utah
County:	Utah
Latilong:
Elevation:
Distance to bird:	20 to 50 yards
Optical equipment:	Cabela XT 8x42 binoculars
Weather:	Mild
Light Conditions:	Partly cloudy
Description: Size of bird:	Same size as White-faced Ibis next to it
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Same as White-faced Ibis next to it
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Blackish back and wings giving green iridescent sheen. Body showed typical Ibis colors.
(Description:) Bill Type:	long, decurved Ibis bill
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Facial skin was blue/black and there were thin whitish borders to the facial skin. The whitish lines ran from bill to eye. Iris was dark.
Song or call & method of delivery:
Behavior:	Foraging in wet field with 100+ White-faced Ibises. The bird picked and moved forward as it went, often without looking up.
Habitat:	Wet open field surrounded by agricultural fields.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	The white-faced ibises showed red facial skin. Many had bold white feathers creating a bright border around the bill and eyes. Those birds with almost no white facial border still showed reddish facial skin.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	This was my first identification of a Glossy after sifting through thousands of White-faced Ibises
References consulted:	Sibley app and UBRC photos of accepted birds
Description from:	Notes taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Jeff Cooper
Observer's address:	3499 N 1270 W; Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:
Date prepared:	5/18
Additional material:
Additional_Comments: