Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellus
See this bird on the water. Private boat tours from Rijeka Crnojevića, your group only.
At a distance the glossy ibis looks like a dark, long-billed wader with a down-curved bill. In decent light it is one of the most beautiful birds on the lake — deep chestnut shot through with iridescent green and purple.
Skadar records run from May through August, peaking across early and midsummer. They are usually in small flocks rather than alone, flying in loose lines with quick wingbeats and glides.
The curved bill is a probing tool — it works soft mud for insects, leeches and small amphibians rather than fishing in open water.
When to see it on Lake Skadar
Most often recorded in May, June, July and August, from 205 sightings logged on the lake. August is the single strongest month.
- Jan: 0 records
- Feb: 0 records
- Mar: 5 records
- Apr: 33 records
- May: 38 records
- Jun: 34 records
- Jul: 38 records
- Aug: 43 records
- Sep: 9 records
- Oct: 2 records
- Nov: 3 records
- Dec: 0 records
Peak months Other months
Conservation status
Least Concern
Records on the lake
205
Peak season
May, Jun, Jul and Aug
Habitat
Marshy margins and flooded grassland
Where on the lake
Marshy margins and seasonally flooded ground rather than deep water, often on the Virpazar side of the lake. Look for flocks in flight; they commute between feeding areas morning and evening.
How to tell it apart
Long down-curved bill and dark plumage that turns iridescent green-purple in sunlight.
