The Australian white ibis is a wading bird of the family Threskiornithidae. It is widespread across much of Australia. It has a predominantly white plumage with a bare, black head, long downcurved bill, and black legs. While it is closely related to the African sacred ibis, the Australian white ibis is a native Australian bird. Contrary to urban myth, it is not a feral species introduced to Australia by people, and it does not come from Egypt.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Found across much of Australia, especially eastern, southeastern, and southwestern regions, with occurrences in parts of southern New Guinea. It frequents freshwater and brackish wetlands, floodplains, lagoons, estuaries, and coastal mudflats. The species readily exploits urban habitats including parks, sports fields, and rubbish tips. Roosts are typically in tall trees, on islands, or structures near water. Breeding colonies form in trees over water, reedbeds, or mangroves.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Often nicknamed the 'bin chicken' in Australian cities, this ibis has adapted remarkably well to urban life, scavenging in parks and landfills. It is native to Australia (not introduced from Egypt) and is closely related to the African sacred ibis. In natural wetlands it helps control invertebrate populations and cleans up carrion. Colonies can number in the hundreds, nesting in trees or reeds near water.
Adult at Coolart Wetlands, Mornington Peninsula, Australia
Australian white Ibises gather on rain soaked grass in Werrington, Sydney – 2022
Perching on a wheelie bin in Potts Point, Sydney
Nesting at Coolart Wetlands, Mornington Peninsula, Australia
Graffiti art depicting an Australian white ibis in inner western Sydney
Temperament
social and opportunistic
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats, often glides; travels in lines or V-shaped flocks
Social Behavior
Highly gregarious, forming large feeding flocks and communal roosts. Nests colonially in trees or reedbeds, often near or over water. Pair bonds are seasonal; both sexes build the nest, incubate 2–3 eggs, and feed the chicks.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are coarse grunts, croaks, and honks rather than melodious songs. Calls become more frequent and guttural at colonies, especially during displays and when alarmed.
