First-ever sighting of extremely rare bird recorded in Scotland
Extremely rare bird spotted in part of Scotland for first time
An extremely rare glossy ibis has been sighted in Scotland for the first time, marking a significant event for the region.
The UK has experienced an unprecedented influx of these water birds in 2025, which were previously infrequent visitors.
RSPB Scotland confirmed that the glossy ibis, typically found in warmer climates, is appearing in "never-before-seen numbers" nationwide.
Milder winters, potentially linked to climate change, are thought to be contributing to the increased presence of these birds in Scotland, although the exact cause remains unconfirmed.