For decades, spotting a Glossy Ibis in Britain was considered a once-in-a-lifetime thrill.
But now, these striking heron-like birds with shimmering feathers and curved bills are not just visiting—they’re starting to settle in.
Experts have confirmed that the Glossy Ibis has begun breeding in the UK, with sightings breaking all modern records.
Record-Breaking Influx Across the Country
Birdwatchers have been buzzing this September after huge flocks appeared across Britain and Ireland.
What began with modest numbers in the south and southwest of England quickly swelled, reaching more than 600 recorded individuals on a single day—September 8. Just 25 years ago, this would have been unthinkable.
Back then, the Glossy Ibis was a true rarity, with sightings few and far between.
From Rare Guest to Familiar Visitor
The species’ presence in the UK has been growing gradually since the early 2000s.
Birdwatch editor Josh Jones recalls that when 17 turned up in Gloucestershire in 2007, it caused shockwaves in the birding community.
Today, such flocks are becoming almost expected during spring and autumn migrations.
Climate Change and Shifting Habitats
The changing climate plays a big role in why the Glossy Ibis is moving north. With southwest Europe experiencing drier summers and the UK enjoying milder winters, Britain is becoming an increasingly suitable home. The Wildlife Trust predicts that breeding here will become more common, especially as young birds disperse from strong populations in Spain.
Tracing Their Journeys
Thanks to bird-ringing projects, experts know that many of the UK’s Glossy Ibises hail from wetlands in southwest Spain.
A wet winter there provided ideal breeding conditions, leading to a population boom.
By late summer, as those wetlands dry out, the birds naturally spread out in search of new feeding grounds.
A helping hand from southerly winds this year made Britain the perfect destination.
Supported by Conservation Efforts
Once in the UK, these birds are benefitting from restored and managed wetlands created by organisations like the RSPB.
Reserves such as Marazion Marsh in Cornwall and Wallasea Island in Essex have become key stopovers.
Ecologists say that while many of these new arrivals may not survive harsh winters, providing the right habitats could help some to remain or even breed again.
A Milestone Moment
The first confirmed breeding in Britain came in 2022, when a pair raised a chick in a Cambridgeshire wetland.
For conservationists and bird enthusiasts, it marked a turning point.
With more influxes expected, regular breeding may soon become part of the UK’s birdlife story.
How to Spot a Glossy Ibis
If you’re lucky enough to go birdwatching this autumn, here’s what to look for: a tall, elegant bird—up to 65cm—with long legs, a slender neck, and a long, downward-curved bill.
Up close, their wings and body gleam with iridescent greens and purples, while in breeding plumage they take on a rich chestnut glow.
These birds typically feed in wetlands and damp fields, probing mud for invertebrates, and occasionally snacking on frogs, lizards, or newts.
What’s Next for the Glossy Ibis in Britain
The story of the Glossy Ibis in the UK is still unfolding. Some may overwinter here if conditions are mild, while others will return south.
What’s clear is that their presence is no longer a fluke—it’s part of a growing trend.
And for birdwatchers, it’s a chance to witness an exotic species becoming a familiar part of British wildlife.