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Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

The Glossy Ibis is a small, dark, wetland ibis that forages in shallow water and muddy margins. It occurs across much of Australia, especially inland and northern wetlands, and may appear suddenly after rainfall or flooding. It is a colonial breeder and an EPBC Act listed migratory species, so wetland works, clearing and disturbance near breeding places need careful planning.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Listed migratory. Listed under the Bonn Convention. Listed migratory species are a matter of national environmental significance, so a significant impact needs referral.

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Special least concern. A least concern bird covered by an international migratory bird agreement. Tampering with its breeding place needs a high risk species management program.

Western Australia, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Specially protected (migratory).

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Colonial breeder. Least concern in Queensland, but it breeds in colonies, so tampering with a breeding place needs a high risk species management program rather than the low risk program.

Migration and breeding season

Glossy Ibis is a migratory and highly nomadic waterbird in Australia. Breeding generally occurs from spring to late summer, but timing varies between northern and southern regions and depends on rainfall and wetland conditions.

Breeding mode: Colonial breeder. Glossy Ibis nests with other ibis and waterbirds, often in wetlands near water.

Nest sites: Nests are untidy stick platforms in vertical tree forks over water. Australian colonies also occur in wooded or shrubby swamps, including lignum habitats.

Clutch size: Usually 2 to 6 eggs. Studies at the Macquarie Marshes recorded average clutch sizes of 2.9 and 4.5 eggs.

Incubation: About 21 days.

Fledging and parental care: Young remain in the nest for about 25 days and may take about 5 weeks to fly and feed independently. Chicks can fledge within about 45 days, with parental care continuing for about 21 days after fledging.

Age at maturity and breeding frequency: Age at maturity: Not recorded. Breeding frequency: Not recorded.

Timing can shift between years and regions, particularly after rainfall, flooding or changes in wetland water levels, so wetlands and nearby trees should be checked before clearing or construction.

  • Australian breeding activity: Breeding is usually concentrated from October to February, with northern breeding extending into February to April and some breeding recorded from September to April when food and water persist.
  • Eggs, nestlings and dependent young: Eggs and dependent young may be present through the breeding period, with timing varying between colonies and rainfall events.
  • Northward movement and range expansion: Glossy Ibis often moves north in autumn and expands its range after good rainfall and wetland filling.
  • Southward return to breeding areas: Birds generally return south to major breeding areas in spring and summer, although movements are irregular and rainfall driven.
  • Nomadic wetland presence and local movements: Glossy Ibis may occur in suitable wetlands in any month, with local concentrations changing as shallow water and food become available.
  • Highest clearing risk: The highest risk is from September to April, when active colonies, eggs, nestlings and dependent young may be present, especially where wetlands have suitable water and food.

Identification: Appearance

The Glossy Ibis is the smallest of the three ibis commonly found in Australia. It can be difficult to identify in poor light because it may look almost black at a distance.

Adults have dark purple to brown plumage with green, purple and pink iridescence, especially in good light and during the breeding season. The bill is long and curved, and males generally have longer bills than females.

The bird is smaller and slimmer than the Australian White Ibis and Straw-necked Ibis. In flight, it holds its neck and legs outstretched and may fly in a V formation.

Colour: Dark purple to brown, often with metallic green, purple and pink tones.

Flight shape: Long neck and legs extended in flight.

  • Length: 48 to 66 cm.
  • Wingspan: 88 to 105 cm.
  • Weight: about 500 to 800 g.

Identification: Calls and similar species

Glossy Ibis are usually quiet and mostly silent. Croaking or grunting sounds may be heard when birds are flying or moving between feeding areas.

Check size, overall colour and wing pattern when separating Glossy Ibis from other ibis.

  • Australian White Ibis has an all-white body, a black head and neck, and red patches under the wings.
  • Straw-necked Ibis has iridescent black wings and breast, white underparts, a white neck ring and straw-like neck feathers.
  • Glossy Ibis is smaller than both species.

Identification: Field signs

Look for groups of dark ibis feeding in shallow water, along soft mud or through aquatic vegetation. Birds may leave probing marks in soft mud, but these signs are not diagnostic on their own.

Glossy Ibis nests are untidy stick platforms. Where breeding is active, look for repeated adult movements, nest material, eggs, chicks, begging calls and birds carrying food.

  • Dark ibis feeding in shallow water or wet vegetation.
  • Long, curved bill used to probe mud and water.
  • Stick nests in trees or shrubs over or close to water.
  • Concentrated bird activity, droppings or whitewash beneath a colony.

Distribution: Australian range

In Australia, the Glossy Ibis is widespread but patchy and nomadic. Numbers and local occurrence can change quickly with rainfall, flooding and wetland conditions.

The species is recorded in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. It is generally found east of the Kimberley in Western Australia and east of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, with scattered records elsewhere.

Important inland areas include the Murray-Darling Basin, the Macquarie Marshes, the River Murray corridor, southern Queensland and the Channel Country. It also occurs along other rivers, lakes, wetlands and swamps.

  • Core spring and summer breeding areas include the Murray-Darling Basin, the Macquarie Marshes and southern Queensland.
  • Records can occur around inland waterholes, floodplains, farm dams, estuaries and coastal wetlands.
  • It may be uncommon or absent from a site during dry periods, then occur in larger numbers after rainfall.

Distribution: Overseas range

Glossy Ibis is widespread outside Australia and occurs on several continents, except Antarctica. The Australian population is connected with broader migratory movements recognised under the Bonn Convention.

Distribution: What this means on site

A lack of records during one survey does not rule out future use. Check nearby wetlands, flood runners, drainage lines and low-lying areas after rain, and review recent records before clearing or wetland works.

Habitat: Wetland settings

Glossy Ibis use freshwater and occasionally saline wetlands with shallow water, mud and vegetation. On construction sites, habitat may be present in natural wetlands, floodplains and modified waterbodies.

Search wetland edges and shallow inundated areas around lakes, rivers, lagoons, swamps, floodplains and wet meadows. The species also uses reservoirs, sewage ponds, rice fields and irrigated areas.

  • Freshwater marshes at the edges of lakes and rivers.
  • Lagoons, floodplains, swamps and wet meadows.
  • Floodwaters, wet pastures and rice fields.
  • Estuaries, deltas, saltmarshes, coastal lagoons and mangroves on occasion.

Habitat: Vegetation and landform

Breeding and wetland use are associated with well-vegetated areas, including lignum and wooded or shrubby swamps. In arid and semi-arid areas, look for temporary wetlands that retain food after rainfall.

  • Lignum swamps and sparse lignum floodplains.
  • Cooba and Eucalyptus wetland habitats.
  • Reedbeds, sedgelands, wet grasslands and low aquatic vegetation.
  • Islands, shallow margins and protected wetland corners.

Habitat: Site checks before works

Map all wet areas, including ephemeral depressions and flood runners. Record water depth, mudflats, aquatic vegetation, nearby trees or shrubs, and any ibis feeding, roosting or nesting activity.

Foraging habitat: Food and feeding places

Glossy Ibis feed in very shallow water and soft mud. They move slowly while probing with the bill, often working through aquatic vegetation or along a receding waterline.

The main food consists of aquatic invertebrates and insects. Frogs, tadpoles and snails are also recorded, and shallow wetland habitats may provide small fish and crustaceans.

  • Littoral zones and shallow wetland margins.
  • Soft mud beside drying pools and lagoons.
  • Shallowly flooded sedgeland, grassland and lignum.
  • Rice fields, irrigated areas, sewage ponds and farm dams where suitable.

Foraging habitat: Signs of use

Feeding birds may be spread along a shoreline or concentrated where water is receding. Repeated probing holes, tracks and fresh droppings can indicate regular use, but confirm use with direct observations where possible.

  • Birds probing mud or shallow water.
  • Birds wading through aquatic vegetation.
  • Concentrations of birds at drying edges or recently flooded areas.
  • Fresh droppings and footprints around feeding margins.

Foraging habitat: Construction considerations

Avoid unnecessary loss of shallow margins, mudflats and wet vegetation. Control sediment, contaminants, lighting, noise and machinery movement near feeding areas, particularly when birds are present.

Breeding habitat: Breeding places

Glossy Ibis breed in colonies near water, often with other colonial waterbirds. In Australia, breeding is linked with productive wetlands and may follow rain, flooding or the persistence of suitable food resources.

Known Australian breeding habitat includes wooded and shrubby swamps, cooba habitats, Eucalyptus and lignum swamps, and wetland trees or shrubs over water. Nests are untidy stick platforms, often placed in vertical tree forks over or close to water.

  • Lignum floodplain colonies.
  • Wooded or shrubby swamps.
  • Trees or shrubs over water.
  • Wetland islands and protected areas with shallow water nearby.

Breeding habitat: Breeding season and young

Breeding commonly occurs from October to February. Southern Australian breeding has been recorded from October to December, while northern breeding has been recorded from February to April. Breeding may extend from September to April where food and water remain available.

Clutches are reported at 2 to 6 eggs. Incubation is about 21 days. Young remain in the nest for about 25 days and may stay around the colony for about 5 weeks while learning to fly and feed.

Clutch: 2 to 6 eggs.

Incubation: About 21 days.

Nestling period: About 25 days.

Post-fledging dependence: Parents may continue care for about 21 days after fledging.

Breeding habitat: Recognising an active breeding place

Treat a place as active when adults are repeatedly entering or leaving vegetation, carrying sticks or food, defending nests, incubating, feeding chicks or gathering in unusually high numbers. Chicks, eggs, fresh nest material and fresh whitewash beneath trees are strong indicators.

  • Observe from outside the vegetation where possible.
  • Do not enter a colony to check nests unless authorised and necessary.
  • Stop and reassess clearing if nesting activity is found.
  • Use an ecologist to set a site-specific exclusion area and work method.

Sheltering habitat: Roost features

Glossy Ibis roost in trees or shrubs, usually close to water. Roosts may be used by several waterbird species and can be important between feeding periods and during wetland changes.

Look for trees, shrubs, lignum stands, wetland islands and dense vegetation beside open water. Birds may gather on branches, emergent vegetation or protected wetland edges, especially near feeding areas.

  • Trees or shrubs beside lakes, rivers and swamps.
  • Lignum and other dense wetland vegetation.
  • Islands, sandbanks and quiet wetland margins.
  • Riverbanks, estuary edges and mangrove margins where suitable.

Sheltering habitat: Disturbance signs

Repeated flushing from a roost, circling birds, alarm calls and birds relocating to a distant wetland indicate that works are too close or too disruptive. Avoid driving, piling, lighting and repeated personnel movement towards occupied roosts.

  • Keep works outside the immediate roost area where practicable.
  • Use screening and low-noise methods near occupied roosts.
  • Avoid night lighting directed at trees, shrubs or wetland margins.
  • Have a spotter monitor for flushing during nearby works.

Sheltering habitat: Water management

Water levels influence where Glossy Ibis can feed and roost. Rapid drawdown, flooding, dewatering or changes to wetland connectivity can shift birds between sites. Coordinate drainage and inundation works with wetland and fauna specialists.

Colonies and breeding places: What a colony looks like

Glossy Ibis are colonial breeders and may nest with straw-necked ibis, Australian White Ibis and royal spoonbills. A colony can contain many nests in a relatively small wetland area, so damage to one breeding place can affect a large share of the local breeding birds.

A colony is a concentrated group of nests in trees, lignum, reedbeds or other wetland vegetation, usually with shallow water or wet ground nearby. Birds may arrive and leave continuously, with adults carrying sticks or food and young visible in nests or surrounding vegetation.

Australian colonies may occur in wetland trees, lignum, reedbeds, islands, sandbanks, riverbanks and other protected wetland features. Colonial waterbirds can also use cliffs, culverts, bridges and caves, although these are not established Glossy Ibis nesting places.

  • Mixed-species colonies are common.
  • Nest density can be high where suitable vegetation and water are limited.
  • Nearby trees and shrubs may function as roosts even when nests are not present.
  • A colony may occupy a broad wetland area, not just the nest trees.

Colonies and breeding places: Colony size and site fidelity

Colony size is variable. At Zoo Paddock in the Macquarie Marshes, Glossy Ibis nesting events included 2 nests and 95 nests within mixed-species waterbird colonies. The colony area was estimated at 74 ha, but this was the area used by the broader colony, not Glossy Ibis alone.

Glossy Ibis are nomadic and breeding can shift with rainfall, flooding and food. Do not assume that a site is unused because it was empty during an earlier visit. Repeated use of productive wetlands is possible, so check local records and previous colony locations.

Recorded event sizes: 2 nests and 95 nests at Zoo Paddock, in separate 2016 breeding events.

Mixed-species use: Glossy Ibis bred with straw-necked ibis and royal spoonbills at Zoo Paddock.

Colonies and breeding places: Managing works near colonies

Avoid clearing, earthworks, dewatering and high-disturbance activities during the local nesting period where practicable. Establish a buffer around an active colony based on the colony footprint, access routes, line of sight, noise and the risk of flushing. There is no single distance that suits every colony.

Flushing can expose eggs and chicks, interrupt feeding and cause repeated abandonment of nests. Keep people, vehicles, machinery, drones and dogs away from occupied colonies, and use screens or alternative access routes where needed.

  • Complete a pre-clearance inspection before works near wetlands.
  • Keep works outside the nesting period where practicable.
  • Use a qualified ecologist to define the active colony and buffer.
  • Stop work and notify the environmental manager if birds repeatedly flush or new nests are found.
  • Maintain water and vegetation conditions that support the colony where water management is part of the project.

Colonies and breeding places: Queensland compliance

In Queensland, the Glossy Ibis is a least concern colonial breeder and a special least concern animal because it is covered by the Bonn Convention. Tampering with its breeding place requires a high risk species management program under the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020. This is different from the low risk program used for other least concern animals.

  • Confirm approval and SMP requirements before disturbing a breeding place.
  • Treat the whole breeding place, including access and nearby roost areas, as a managed ecological feature.
  • Seek advice from the relevant Queensland department before works begin.

Migration and seasonal presence: Seasonal pattern in Australia

The Glossy Ibis is listed as migratory under the EPBC Act through the Bonn Convention. It is also highly nomadic within Australia, with movements driven by rainfall, flooding and food availability rather than a fixed annual route.

Glossy Ibis often moves north in autumn and returns south to major breeding areas in spring and summer. Local arrival and departure dates vary between wetlands and cannot be predicted from the calendar alone.

Breeding is generally October to February. In southern Australia it has been recorded from October to December, and in northern Australia from February to April. Breeding may extend from September to April when conditions remain suitable.

  • Watch for passage or temporary use after rain and flooding.
  • Check wetlands during both dry and wet conditions.
  • Do not rely on a single survey visit to assess use.

Migration and seasonal presence: Breeding and non-breeding areas

Core spring and summer breeding areas include the Murray-Darling Basin, the Macquarie Marshes and southern Queensland, including the Channel Country. Outside breeding periods, birds may disperse widely through inland and northern wetlands, river corridors, floodwaters, farm dams, rice fields and coastal wetlands.

Migration and seasonal presence: Important habitat and EPBC Act checks

Important habitat can include wetlands that support feeding, roosting, movement or breeding, especially where birds regularly gather or where rainfall creates a large food resource. Habitat supporting more than 144 individuals is identified as capable of supporting more than 0.1 percent of the flyway population.

Because the species is an EPBC Act listed migratory species, an action likely to have a significant impact may require referral. Assess direct habitat loss, wetland modification, disturbance, hydrological change, lighting and barriers to movement before construction.

Important population threshold: More than 144 individuals, based on the referenced 0.1 percent flyway value.

  • Map all suitable wetlands and connected floodplain habitat.
  • Record bird numbers, behaviour, water levels and dates.
  • Assess whether works could affect an important population or important habitat.
  • Obtain EPBC Act advice where a significant impact cannot be ruled out.

Migration and seasonal presence: Survey timing

Survey during the likely wetland use period and after suitable rainfall where possible. If surveys occur outside the main non-breeding period or during dry conditions, treat the result as a limited snapshot and consider additional wet-season surveys.

Threats: Clearing and habitat loss

The main risks for Glossy Ibis on works sites arise from wetland loss, altered water regimes and disturbance of feeding, roosting or breeding places. Good planning can retain habitat and reduce avoidable disruption.

Drainage, excavation, access tracks, temporary laydown areas and vegetation clearing can remove shallow feeding habitat, lignum, wetland trees and colony vegetation. Small areas can matter when they contain the only suitable mud or shallow water in a dry landscape.

  • Avoid wetland margins and active colony vegetation.
  • Keep temporary works within the smallest practicable footprint.
  • Rehabilitate temporary wetland disturbance and monitor recovery.
  • Retain connections between wetlands, floodplains and river corridors.

Threats: Hydrology and water quality

Altered flooding, dewatering, rapid drawdown, groundwater extraction and increased salinity can reduce food resources or make a wetland unsuitable. Sediment, pollutants, weeds, pest fish and contaminated runoff can also degrade feeding habitat.

  • Use erosion and sediment controls.
  • Prevent contaminated water entering wetlands.
  • Maintain natural drainage and floodplain connectivity where practicable.
  • Coordinate inundation and drainage changes with wetland specialists.

Threats: Disturbance at colonies and roosts

Noise, vibration, machinery, lighting, people, drones and repeated vehicle movement can flush adults from nests or roosts. Repeated flushing can expose eggs and chicks, reduce feeding and lead to abandonment.

  • Schedule high-disturbance works outside the local nesting period.
  • Use site-specific buffers and visual screening.
  • Avoid night lighting near occupied roosts and colonies.
  • Stop work if repeated flushing or distress behaviour occurs.

Threats: Predation and land management

Feral pigs can destroy waterbird nests, and wetland degradation can increase pressure on the remaining breeding places. Grazing, burning, clearing, salinity, exotic plants and fish, and human disturbance can reduce habitat quality.

  • Control feral pigs and other nest predators through approved programs.
  • Prevent weed and pest spread on vehicles and equipment.
  • Protect wetland vegetation from unnecessary fire, grazing and trampling.
  • Coordinate management across the wider wetland, not only the construction footprint.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

Glossy Ibis can be nomadic and may arrive when wetlands fill after rain. Survey effort should cover shallow water, wetland vegetation, floodplain habitat and likely roost trees, with extra attention during breeding and peak wetland use.

Map wetlands, floodplains, lagoons, wet meadows, swamps, irrigation areas, rice fields, estuaries and coastal lagoons.

Identify wetland trees, lignum, wooded swamps, islands and areas that could support a colony or roost.

Search recent records and local knowledge. Check whether the site is connected to the Murray-Darling Basin, Macquarie Marshes, southern Queensland, the Channel Country or other known wetland areas.

Treat habitat as potentially important where it could support more than 144 Glossy Ibis, the population threshold identified for habitat critical to survival.

Survey methodology: 2. Field detection

Survey from a quiet vantage point before entering wetland edges. Scan shallow water, mudflats, aquatic vegetation, wet pasture and nearby trees or shrubs.

Use binoculars or a telescope to identify the smallest Australian ibis. Look for dark purple to brown plumage with green, purple and pink iridescence, a long downcurved bill and feeding in very shallow water.

Search likely roost trees and shrubs near water, especially at first light and late afternoon. Avoid walking through potential colony habitat before checking it from a distance.

Use repeated visits where the site is likely to change after rainfall or flooding. A single visit may miss this nomadic species.

Survey methodology: 3. Timing and conditions

Include visits during wetland inundation and after useful rainfall, when Glossy Ibis may expand its range.

Plan additional surveys in spring and summer when birds occupy Australian breeding areas. Breeding can extend from September to April where food remains available. Southern breeding records include October to December, while northern records include February to April.

Allow for autumn movement north and return movements to breeding areas in spring and summer. Record passage or temporary use rather than assuming that absence means the site is not used.

Do not survey only in dry conditions if shallow water or floodplain habitat is central to the assessment.

Survey methodology: 4. Records and mapping

Record the date, start and finish time, weather, recent rainfall, water depth or inundation condition, waterbody condition and survey area.

Record every Glossy Ibis observation, including count, behaviour, flight direction, feeding area, roost location, breeding behaviour and whether birds flushed.

Map feeding areas, flight paths, roosts, nests, colony edges and nearby disturbance sources. Record associated colonial waterbirds where they share the site.

Photograph habitat and distant birds where this can be done without causing flushing. Do not approach a suspected colony to obtain close photographs.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Plan works around wetland use and breeding activity. Glossy Ibis may nest in mixed colonies, including in lignum or trees over water, so clearing and construction near wetlands need a site-specific assessment before work starts.

Check whether the action is likely to have a significant impact on the migratory species before clearing or construction. Refer the action under the EPBC Act if that risk cannot be excluded.

Obtain any state or territory approvals that apply to native bird protection, wetland disturbance, clearing, water management and wildlife handling.

In Queensland, treat Glossy Ibis as a colonial breeder and a special least concern animal. Obtain a high risk species management program before tampering with a breeding place. Do not rely on the low risk program used for other least concern animals.

Confirm the authority of fauna spotter catchers and wildlife carers before work begins. Keep approval conditions and permit contacts in the site environmental file.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and timing

Redesign the works to retain wetlands, shallow feeding areas, lignum, wooded swamps, nest trees, roost vegetation and access to water.

Schedule vegetation clearing and noisy works outside the local breeding period wherever practicable. Use local records and rainfall conditions to refine timing rather than applying a calendar alone.

Do not assume that a dry wetland is unused. Flooding, water releases and rainfall can bring birds back quickly and can trigger breeding.

Keep works away from active colonies and roosts. Set a site-specific buffer with a qualified ecologist, based on visibility, noise, access, vegetation cover, bird behaviour and the type of work. Increase the buffer if birds flush or repeatedly circle the site.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance inspection

Complete a pre-clearance inspection shortly before works begin and again after a substantial delay or change in water conditions.

Inspect wetland trees, lignum, reedbeds, islands, sandbanks, riverbanks, culverts and bridges where birds could gather or nest. Glossy Ibis commonly nests near water and may use untidy stick platforms in tree forks over water.

Look for adults carrying nesting material, birds sitting persistently on nests, eggs, chicks, fledglings, concentrated bird activity, whitewash below roosts, recently used nests and repeated flight paths.

Mark the colony or roost boundary, access routes and no-go areas without entering the site. Keep the location confidential where public access could increase disturbance.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Exclusion and induction

Fence or flag the approved exclusion area before machinery arrives. Use visible signs and a mapped no-entry zone.

Induct all workers on the species, colony risks, wetland values, stop-work authority, reporting chain and the prohibition on approaching or handling birds.

Keep vehicles, plant, generators, lighting and storage areas outside the approved buffer. Prevent sediment, fuel, concrete washout, weeds and pests from entering wetlands.

Brief crews that a flying bird is not proof that a colony is inactive. Adults may leave nests temporarily when people approach.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Use a staged, low-disturbance approach. A fauna spotter catcher must be able to stop work immediately when a Glossy Ibis, nest, colony, roost or unexpected wetland impact is identified.

Clear only the approved footprint and work from the least sensitive edge towards the retained habitat.

Retain wetland vegetation, nest trees, lignum, roost trees and flight paths unless removal is specifically authorised.

Stop before entering any area where birds are concentrated, birds are repeatedly flushing, or a nest, colony or roost is found.

Inspect felled vegetation, debris and wetland margins before moving plant. Do not use machinery to push material into water or retained habitat.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Stop-work response

Give the fauna spotter catcher authority to stop work without waiting for supervisor approval.

Stop immediately if an active nest, eggs, chicks, dependent fledglings, colony, roost or injured Glossy Ibis is found.

Withdraw people and machinery to the last safe position. Prevent further noise, lighting, vehicle movement and public access.

Contact the project ecologist and relevant regulator or permit holder. Restart only when the site has been assessed and the required approval, buffer or management action is confirmed in writing.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Handling and wildlife care

Do not catch, move, release or relocate a Glossy Ibis unless the person is authorised under the applicable permit, approval or wildlife authority.

Keep uninjured birds undisturbed. Do not chase a flying bird or attempt to clear a roost by approaching it.

If an injured bird is found, isolate the work area, reduce noise and light, and contact the authorised wildlife carer or wildlife authority. Do not offer food or water unless directed by the carer.

If a nest or colony must be managed, use the approved method and qualified personnel. Do not relocate nests or eggs as an improvised site measure.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Colony and wetland controls

Keep the approved buffer intact throughout the work, including for deliveries, temporary access, night lighting and maintenance.

Prevent changes to water levels, drainage or flow unless the hydrological change has been assessed and authorised. Flooding and water management can affect breeding and foraging conditions.

Use sediment controls and spill response measures before earthworks start. Stop work and contain any release that could enter wetland habitat.

Limit disturbance if birds begin repeated alarm calling, circling, low flights or mass flushing. Report the behaviour to the site ecologist.

During habitat disturbance: 5. Daily records

Record the date, work area, personnel, machinery, weather, water conditions, bird counts, nests, roosts, colony observations, buffers and stop-work events.

Record all handling, injuries, deaths, nest incidents, permit actions, regulator advice and release or transfer details.

Photograph and map incidents where this can be done without approaching birds. Keep wildlife records with the project environmental records.

Report any breach of an approval, permit condition or exclusion area to the site environmental manager immediately.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance checks

Complete checks before the site is released from fauna controls. Monitoring should confirm that retained wetland habitat, breeding places and roosts remain undisturbed and that any approved wildlife response was completed properly.

Inspect the cleared footprint, exclusion area and retained wetland edge after clearing and before demobilisation.

Check for injured or trapped birds, damaged nests, displaced chicks, fallen nest material, new bird concentrations and unauthorised entry into buffers.

Confirm that no plant, spoil, waste, lighting or temporary access remains in the approved exclusion area.

Have the fauna spotter catcher and ecologist sign off the area before ordinary construction resumes.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Monitoring retained habitat

Repeat observations at retained wetlands, colony areas and roosts during the next suitable wetland or breeding period.

Monitor bird presence, feeding, roosting, nesting, flushing and flight paths. Include observations after rainfall, flooding or changes in water management.

Increase monitoring if birds avoid a retained area, repeatedly flush, abandon a nest or shift into a construction zone.

Use the same observation points and recording method where possible so changes can be compared over time.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Reporting and close-out

Prepare a close-out report covering survey effort, bird observations, breeding places, incidents, stop-work events, approvals, buffers, handling and rehabilitation actions.

Submit reports required by the EPBC approval, Queensland species management program, state permit or project environmental conditions.

Notify the relevant authority and project ecologist of any death, injury, nest damage, colony disturbance or unauthorised clearing.

Retain maps, photographs, field sheets, wildlife carer records and regulator correspondence with the project records.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Relocated or treated animals

Confirm the receiving wildlife carer, release site and release outcome for every animal that was authorised for care or relocation.

Record the animal's condition, identification if available, date and location of release, and any follow-up advice.

Do not return an animal to a disturbed area until the authorised carer and ecologist confirm that it is safe and suitable.

Review any failed release, repeated injury or displaced bird response with the wildlife authority and project ecologist.

After habitat disturbance: 5. Incident review

Review every stop-work event and environmental incident with the supervisor, fauna spotter catcher and ecologist.

Identify whether timing, buffers, induction, supervision, lighting, water management or access controls need to change.

Update the construction environmental management plan and site maps before similar work continues.

Share lessons with crews working at other wetlands or colonial waterbird sites.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore wetland habitat

Rehabilitation should restore shallow wetland function, vegetation cover and safe access to feeding and roosting areas. The design should reflect local hydrology and the habitat used by Glossy Ibis, rather than adding structures that do not suit this species.

Reinstate natural drainage and shallow inundation patterns where the approved design allows.

Restore wetland edges, floodplain vegetation, lignum and wooded swamp structure using local native species and suitable hydrology.

Retain or recreate shallow water and mud interfaces that support probing for aquatic invertebrates and insects.

Do not leave steep, unstable banks, deep isolated pits or barriers that prevent birds from using retained wetland habitat.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Breeding and roost habitat

Protect existing nest trees, lignum stands, wetland shrubs and roost vegetation during rehabilitation and maintenance.

Do not install nest boxes or bat boxes for Glossy Ibis. The species is a colonial waterbird that uses stick nests near water, rather than tree hollows or bat roost structures.

Consider artificial nest platforms or other artificial nest sites only where a qualified wetland ecologist confirms that the design suits local colonial waterbird use and has been approved by the relevant authority.

Place any approved artificial nest site away from machinery, public access, night lighting and future clearing. Monitor it for use and maintenance needs.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Water management

Coordinate water releases, drainage works and inundation timing with the wetland ecologist and relevant water authority.

Avoid sudden water-level changes during active nesting unless required for safety or authorised water management.

Maintain water quality by controlling sediment, nutrients, chemicals, contaminated runoff and concrete washout.

Track rainfall, inundation, water depth, salinity where relevant and the condition of shallow feeding areas.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Weeds, pests and access

Remove weeds before they dominate wetland edges or reduce open shallow feeding habitat. Use methods that do not contaminate water or disturb active colonies.

Prevent feral pigs and other pest animals from entering breeding areas. Feral pigs have destroyed Glossy Ibis nests at monitored colonies.

Control public access, vehicles, dogs, stock and recreational activity around active colonies and roosts.

Clean plant and equipment before entering rehabilitation areas to prevent weed and pathogen spread.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Long-term monitoring

Inspect rehabilitation areas through at least the first wet and dry cycles and during suitable breeding periods.

Record vegetation establishment, wetland condition, water persistence, weeds, pest activity, Glossy Ibis use and use by other colonial waterbirds.

Use adaptive management if restored areas dry too quickly, become too deep, lose vegetation or attract repeated disturbance.

Keep monitoring results with the project approval records and use them to guide future wetland works and maintenance.

Sources