Fauna
Bird

Australian Ibis

Threskiornis molucca

Also known as Australian White Ibis, Bin Chicken, Tip Turkey

Australian white ibises are adaptable wading birds that have famously transitioned from inland wetlands to urban parks, landfills, and outdoor dining areas. Their bare black heads and long, downcurved bills are perfectly suited for probing soft mud, leaf litter, or rubbish bins for food. They build untidy platform nests in trees or reeds, often forming large, noisy breeding colonies near water.

Wading BirdAdaptableColonial
Australian Ibis reference
(c) Tim, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tim · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyInvertebrates, Crayfish, Frogs
Predators
  • Red Fox
  • Feral Cat
  • White-bellied Sea Eagle
ThreatsInland wetland degradation, water management schemes, urban culling pressures
HabitatsWetlands, mudflats, urban parks, landfills, grasslands
Life span15–28 years
Classification
  1. OrderPelecaniformes
  2. FamilyThreskiornithidae
  3. GenusThreskiornis
  4. SpeciesThreskiornis molucca
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
May peck with its long bill if cornered; observe from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
  • Keep Food Covered: Secure picnic items and bin lids to discourage unwanted scavenging behavior.
  • Observe Breeding Colonies: Maintain distance around tree nests to avoid disturbing loud communal roosts.
  • Avoid Direct Feeding: Refrain from feeding processed human foods which can harm their health.
Related species
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