Posted by Gary Potter (198.81.26.38) on August 13, 2003 at 19:36:15:
This photo was taken in July. I believe that White-faced/Glossy Ibis molt into basic (winter) plumage in July and August. Since this bird does not show any signs of alternate(breeding)plumage, I assume that it is an immature. Immatures are very difficult to separate on plumage differences. I also believe that eye color and bill color are variable in this plumage. However, this bird does show light gray edges to the darker gray skin between the base of the bill and the eye. This is more noticible on the upper part of this area than in the lower part, but it can be seen on both sides of the bird. I believe that this mark is found on some (or most) juvenile Glossy Ibis, but not on juvenile White-faced Ibis. Therefore, inspite of the location, I think that this bird is a juvenile Glossy Ibis.